A mail divided

LiteBlue recently went back in time and explored how the Civil War affected mail service.

The internal conflict affected everything – including mail delivery. In 1861, mail service was suspended from the North to the Confederate states. Additionally, Southern postage was not valid on any inbound letter.

The Confederacy established its own Post Office Department and stamps. At first, the upstart service had costs that exceeded revenue by about three times. But eventually, through reductions in service, the gap was reduced.

Of course, even with the ban on cross border mail service, a burgeoning black market was in place, uniting families and friends – and no doubt, conspirators on both sides.

If you are in an old Post Office, which side of the Mason Dixon line was your office? Comment here.

Read the Link Article here.