The Welcome to the past and the curious. I'm the creator and producer, Mick Sullivan, and this episode has to do with Mail. The stories are more interesting than you might

believe. First, Victoria Rival will tell you the curious story of a short-lived mail delivery system that sent

young men and even boys across the country alone and on horseback.

After quiz time, Jason Lawrence shares the tale of a secret subway system from the 1800s.

We really think you'll love it. In addition, we've got a new performance of a song made famous by one of America's greatest early entertainers,

a man named Fats Waller.

We hope you enjoy. If you do follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and

Instagram, send us a message. Find us on the web at the Past and the Curious

com, leave a review on the iTunes store or on Stitcher that's really helpful in

getting noticed and please tell someone who you think might like our

funny little program. Now Benjamin Franklin did a lot in his lifetime. Most people can agree on that. And among other things, for 15 months he was the first postmaster general of the United States post office. The need to

correspond with people in other parts of the United States was important at this

time as the 13 colonies which is what they were known as at the time, were on the brink of breaking away from Great Britain.

Letters and documents needed to be sent over great distances, and that was a responsibility that couldn't be left in the hands of the British.

Before, during, and even after his time on the job,

male distribution was slow.

There simply was no way to communicate with someone quickly

over a great distance.

Most everything was carried on one road called the Kings Highway, which ran north to south for nearly

1300 miles connecting Boston, Massachusetts to Charleston, South Carolina.

Now, it wasn't a road like today, paved and wide and easy to drive.

It was often muddy.

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