Paper Trails

Paper Trails explores how the US Post during the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping western expansion and state power, revealing a complex network of public and private collaboration. Using extensive data on post offices, the book highlights how the postal system expanded rapidly and intricately, connecting settlers across vast regions. It challenges traditional views of government bureaucracy by illustrating how the postal network was built through partnerships with private businesses and local merchants. This reimagining prompts a deeper understanding of the American state and its influence during a transformative period in U.S. history.