Old Post Office and Customshouse
Front St., Key West, FL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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.
Florida is home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine, which was founded by the Spanish in 1565.
In the early 1800s, Monroe County became part of the newly formed Florida Territory. Key West, the county seat, quickly developed into a vibrant port city due to its strategic location. It became known for its sailors, shipwreck salvagers, and trading activity. During this time, wrecking became a major industry as many ships ran aground on the treacherous reefs surrounding the Keys.
The county's history is also intertwined with the era of American expansionism. In the 1820s, the US government established Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West to control piracy along the coast. It played a role in the Mexican-American War and served as a base during the Civil War.
The early 20th century brought significant changes to Monroe County with the completion of the Overseas Railway, connecting Key West to mainland Florida. This railway transformed the Keys into a popular tourist destination. However, a devastating hurricane in 1935 destroyed much of the railway and led to the construction of the Overseas Highway. This highway replaced the railway and became a lifeline for the county, allowing for increased development and tourism.
Today, Monroe County remains a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. It continues to be a major center for fishing, boating, and diving. The county's history, shaped by its indigenous roots, maritime activities, and unique geographical location, continues to be celebrated and preserved.
Monroe County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Monroe County, Florida.
- 1823 - Monroe County is established as one of the original counties in Florida.
- 1830 - The first permanent settlement, known as Indian Key, is established.
- 1836 - The Second Seminole War begins, leading to the abandonment of Indian Key.
- 1870 - Key West becomes the county seat and experiences economic growth as a major port.
- 1912 - The Overseas Railway connects Key West to mainland Florida, boosting tourism and trade.
- 1935 - The Labor Day Hurricane devastates the Florida Keys, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
- 1942-1945 - The Florida Keys become an active military zone during World War II.
- 1982 - The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is established to protect the region's coral reefs.
- 1998 - Hurricane Georges causes significant damage to Monroe County and the Florida Keys.
- 2017 - Hurricane Irma makes landfall in the Florida Keys, causing widespread destruction and devastation.