National Register Listing

US Post Office-Norwich Main

a.k.a. Norwich Main Post Office

340 Main St., Norwich, CT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture post office
The first dental school in the United States was founded in Connecticut in 1867. The school was established at the University of Maryland, which had a branch campus in Baltimore at the time.
Connecticut random facts
New London County, Connecticut has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 17th century. It was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Pequots and Mohegans, who thrived in the fertile lands along the Thames River and Long Island Sound. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1630s, establishing trading posts and forming alliances with the Native American tribes.

In 1646, New London was officially founded and soon became an important center for maritime trade and commerce. The town grew rapidly throughout the 18th century, attracting merchants, shipbuilders, and sailors from around the world. It played a significant role in the American Revolution as a hub for privateers, who were privately owned ships that were authorized to attack enemy vessels. New London was also a major port for the whaling industry, with numerous ships departing from its shores in search of valuable whale oil.

During the 19th century, New London County continued to prosper as a maritime center. It was a major hub for the shipping and shipbuilding industry, with many shipyards along the Thames River. The county also played a crucial role in the development of submarine warfare, as the United States Navy established the Naval Submarine Base in Groton in 1868. This base has since become the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

In the 20th century, New London County experienced significant changes in its economic landscape. While the maritime industry declined, the county diversified its economy by attracting manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Today, New London County remains an important center for education, with several colleges and universities located in the area. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty continue to attract tourists and visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of New London County, Connecticut.

  • 1614 - Dutch explorer Adriaen Block visits the area that would later become New London County.
  • 1646 - English colonists establish the town of New London.
  • 1662 - The Connecticut Colony grants New London County its charter.
  • 1692 - The town of Stonington is incorporated.
  • 1784 - The city of Norwich is incorporated.
  • 1786 - The town of Groton is incorporated.
  • 1848 - The city of New London is incorporated.
  • 1869 - The city of Norwich becomes the county seat.
  • 1951 - The Naval Submarine Base New London is established in Groton.