History Spotlight
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March 2024
March 9, 2024
Absalom Markland
Reliable mail service was critical during the Civil War. Recently discovered Absalom Markland was a Postal Inspector & friend of Ulysses S. Grant, who played a vital role in establishing mail service for Union troops during the war.
LEARN MOREMarch 2, 2024
Women Inspectors and Polygraphers
The Postal Inspection Service became one of the first federal law enforcement agencies to hire female agents in 1971. From Janene Gordon to “DD” Thombs, woman Postal Inspectors have served vital roles for decades.
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February 2024
February 24. 2024
Leper Colony Post Office
Due to stigma & misunderstandings surrounding the disease, individuals with leprosy were once isolated into colonies. being cut off, these residents looked to the post office as a vital means of communicating with the outside world.
LEARN MOREFebruary 17. 2024
Threatening Letters
Threatening letters sent to government officials and high-profile individuals are nothing new. Today, protecting American officials and public figures remains an important aspect of the Inspection Service’s duties to our country.
LEARN MOREFebruary 10, 2024
Black History in the Inspection Service Part 2
The Postal Inspection Service is made up of an elite group of men and women from all backgrounds & walks of life, which adds to the strength of our agency.
LEARN MOREFebruary 3, 2024
Black History in the Inspection Service Part 1
Postal Inspectors have a long-standing tradition of hiring extraordinary individuals of all backgrounds. During Black History month, we proudly highlight some of the influential Black figures from our agency’s history.
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January 2024
January 27, 2024
Smart Corpse
Following a baffling series of robberies onboard a mail train, Postal Inspector John Streich devised a clever plan to catch the thieves – he was going to wait inside a coffin until they appeared.
LEARN MOREJanuary 20, 2024
Handwriting Analysis
In the 19th century, Postal Inspectors became experts in the field of handwriting analysis, as nearly every aspect of an inspector’s role included reading and investigating suspects’ letters, signatures, and ultimately their handwriting.
LEARN MOREJanuary 13. 2024
Robberies in Cook County Post Office
In 1893, several post offices were robbed in the Chicago area, The following year, Postal Inspectors arrested three men and their wives in connection with the robberies. But one of the men arrested was not who he said he was…
LEARN MOREJanuary 6, 2024
Chasing Down the Counterfeiters
Since the first stamp was issued, criminals have tired to make a quick buck by selling counterfeits. Postal Inspectors have been investigating & combatting counterfeit postage for over 150 years.
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