Benjamin Franklin appointed Goddard as postmaster of Baltimore, making her the first female postmaster in the colonies.
On July 26, 1775, Benjamin Franklin appointed Mary Katharine Goddard as the postmaster of Baltimore, a role that underscored her remarkable capabilities and trustworthiness. This appointment was unprecedented, making her the first female postmaster in the American colonies. During a critical period leading up to the American Revolution, Goddard managed postal operations efficiently, supporting crucial communication networks essential for the colonies' coordination and unity. Her tenure as postmaster demonstrated women’s tangible contributions to key political functions traditionally reserved for men.