Did you know Michigan has a floating post office? The J. W. Westcott II is a fully functional, floating post office with its very own zip code that operates on the Detroit River.

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Just as a point of clarification, we should acknowledge that there are other boats that are responsible for mail delivery in remote parts of the United States, but the J. W. Westcott II is unique because it is the only floating post office with its own zip code.

About the J. W. Westcott II

The Westcott company was established in 1874 by Captain John Ward Westcott, who was charged with ferrying supplies using a rowboat. By 1895, Westcott began delivering US mail to passing ships along the Detroit River.

According to Fun in Michigan.com, the Westcott company commissioned Paasch Maine Service in Erie, Pennsylvania to build the J. W. Westcott II, in honor of the company's founder.

The vessel is a 45-foot vessel powered by a 305-horsepower marine diesel engine. The boat can travel at 15 knots or roughly 17 miles per hour.

Mail Delivery Via Ropes and Buckets

The J. W. Westcott II has its own unique zip code which is 48222.

Mail is primarily delivered to lake freighters using ropes and buckets. (See the pictures below.) Mail and packages have to be addressed to [Vessel Name], Marine Post Office, Detroit, Michigan, 48222.

Tragedy in 2001

The J. W. Wescott II sank on October 23, 2001, killing the captain and one other crew member. The ship was later pulled from the bottom of the river, refurbished, and put back into service.

Take a look at the pictures from inside and outside the J. W. Westcott II below.

The J. W. Westcott II is The Only Floating US Post Office

The J. W. Westcott II delivers mail on the Detroit River. It has its own zip code and is the only floating post office in the United States.

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