National Register Listing

Old US Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. AmeriFirst Federal

100--118 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, FL
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, were once a notorious pirate haven. Many famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, are said to have frequented the area.
Florida random facts
Miami-Dade County, located in southeastern Florida, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Indigenous tribes, such as the Tequesta and the Seminole, who were skilled in farming and fishing along the coast. After European contact in the 16th century, Spanish explorers and settlers established a presence in the region, with Miami named after the Mayaimi Native American tribe.

In the late 19th century, Miami began its transformation from a small settlement to a city. The construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1896 connected Miami to the rest of the state, stimulating growth and attracting settlers. The region also benefitted from the Florida land boom of the 1920s, which brought an influx of investors and development to Miami-Dade County. However, the crash of the stock market in 1929 led to an economic depression that severely impacted the region.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Miami-Dade County experienced significant population growth and cultural shifts. In the 1950s and 1960s, many Cuban exiles fled to Miami following the Cuban Revolution, establishing a strong Cuban-American presence and shaping the city's culture and economy. The 1980s brought an influx of immigrants from Central and South America, further diversifying the population and contributing to Miami's status as a global hub.

In recent years, Miami-Dade County has faced challenges such as urban sprawl and issues related to climate change and sea-level rise. The county continues to be a major economic and cultural center, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and diverse communities. It remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

  • 1825 - The Territory of Florida establishes Dade County
  • 1896 - Dade County is renamed as Miami-Dade County
  • 1920s - Miami undergoes a real estate boom, attracting many investors and tourists
  • 1926 - The Great Miami Hurricane devastates the area, causing significant damage and loss of life
  • 1930s - The construction of the Tamiami Trail connects Miami to the west coast of Florida
  • 1959 - Fidel Castro's revolution in Cuba leads to a large influx of Cuban refugees in Miami
  • 1963 - Miami-Dade County's population reaches 1 million
  • 1980s - Miami experiences a surge in drug-related violence and a wave of immigration from Central and South America
  • 1992 - Hurricane Andrew hits Miami-Dade County, causing widespread destruction
  • 2001 - Miami-Dade County's population exceeds 2 million
  • 2012 - Miami-Dade County celebrates its 100th anniversary