Why did Benjamin Franklin become the first postmaster general of the United States?

Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general of the United States by the Continental Congress on July 26, 1775, primarily due to his extensive experience and proven leadership in colonial postal administration.12

Before the American Revolution, Franklin had served as joint postmaster general for the colonies, where he modernized the mail system by surveying roads, installing milestones, and introducing overnight delivery services. His deep understanding of postal logistics made him the ideal choice to oversee the newly adopted "Constitutional Post," an independent mail network created to ensure secure, private communication—a critical necessity for the war effort, as British-controlled postmasters had previously intercepted and read colonial mail.12

Beyond his technical expertise, Franklin was a highly respected civic leader and statesman whose pro-American views had led to his dismissal from his British-appointed post. By appointing him, Congress secured a reliable, secure communication infrastructure that proved indispensable for transmitting military intelligence and news throughout the colonies during the fight for independence.12