Rates for Domestic Letters, 1792-1863
Rates listed below were for a “single letter,” defined as consisting of one sheet of paper until July 1, 1845, and thereafter as weighing ½ ounce or less, regardless of the number of sheets. “Double letters” were charged double. Not included in this chart are rates for ship and steamboat letters and drop letters (for local delivery), which were assigned different rates. The last rates listed were effective until July 1, 1863.
Effective Date |
Distance |
Postage, in Cents |
|---|---|---|
June 1, 1792 |
not over 30 miles |
6 |
over 30 and not exceeding 60 miles |
8 |
|
over 60 and not exceeding 100 miles |
10 |
|
over 100 and not exceeding 150 miles |
12.5 |
|
over 150 and not exceeding 200 miles |
15 |
|
over 200 and not exceeding 250 miles |
17 |
|
over 250 and not exceeding 350 miles |
20 |
|
over 350 and not exceeding 450 miles |
22 |
|
over 450 miles |
25 |
|
May 1, 1799 |
not over 40 miles |
8 |
over 40 and not exceeding 90 miles |
10 |
|
over 90 and not exceeding 150 miles |
12.5 |
|
over 150 and not exceeding 300 miles |
17 |
|
over 300 and not exceeding 500 miles |
20 |
|
over 500 miles |
25 |
|
February 1, 1815 |
all distances |
50 percent increase |
April 1, 1816 |
all distances |
increase repealed |
May 1, 1816 |
not over 30 miles |
6 |
over 30 and not exceeding 80 miles |
10 |
|
80 and not exceeding 150 miles |
12.5 |
|
150 and not exceeding 400 miles |
18.5 * |
|
over 400 miles |
25 |
|
July 1, 1845 |
not over 300 miles |
5 |
over 300 miles |
10 |
|
July 1, 1851 |
not over 3,000 miles |
3 if prepaid, 5 if not prepaid |
over 3,000 miles |
6 if prepaid, 10 if not prepaid |
|
April 1, 1855 |
not over 3,000 miles |
3 (prepayment required) |
over 3,000 miles |
10 (prepayment required) |
* increased to 18.75 by the Act of March 3, 1825
HISTORIAN
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
AUGUST 2008