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Carrier Stamps

Prior to July l, 1863, postage only paid for transportation of mail between post offices. Patrons would have to visit the Post Office to drop off and pick up their mail. In about 50 of the larger U.S. cities, primarily in the New England states, independent carrier services arose, sometimes among fierce competition, providing for a fee of usually one or two cents, drop off or delivery of letters and packages to the nearest Post Office. Stamps that paid for this carrier service are known as "Carrier Stamps".