How the U.S. Post Office Launched Commercial Aviation

The United States Post Office started the nations commercial aviation industry. The first airmail service started in 1918 with the first service being from Washington DC to New York City.

During the early days of flying mail, the mail was packed in canvas bags. The pilots packed the plane full. Some of the time they would even have a bag placed between their legs on their seat. The space was limited and if passengers were on board they often sat on the mail bags.

A green and wooden biplane displayed in an aviation museum, with large wings and propellers, surrounded by other aircraft in the background.
US Airmail plane
A U.S. Mail DH-4 Liberty plane displayed indoors at the Evergreen Aviation Museum, Oregon, with vintage aircraft in the background.
DH-4 Liberty airplane
Information display for the De Havilland DH-4 Liberty Plane at the Evergreen Aviation Museum, featuring details on the aircraft's specifications, history, and notable figures associated with U.S. airmail.
DH-4 Liberty Plane information panel

The DH-4 Liberty plane is on view at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

Sending smiles your way 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Alice DeForest

Baggage