US Post Office-Somerville Main
a.k.a. Somerville Main Post Office
237 Washington St., Somerville, MA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
The first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor in 1716. The lighthouse was destroyed during the American Revolution and rebuilt in 1783.
In the late 17th century, Middlesex County became an important center of trade and agriculture, with towns like Concord and Cambridge playing significant roles in the American Revolution. The famous Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the war, took place in Middlesex County in 1775.
During the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Middlesex County experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. The county's proximity to Boston and ample water resources allowed for the development of mills and factories, especially in cities like Lowell and Lawrence. These industrial centers became important hubs for textiles, manufacturing, and technology, drawing immigrants from around the world to work in the growing industries.
In the 20th century, Middlesex County continued to evolve. The county became a thriving center for higher education, with renowned institutions such as Harvard University and MIT located in Cambridge. The booming tech industry in the Silicon Valley of the East also contributed to the county's economic prosperity, attracting companies like Raytheon and Oracle.
Today, Middlesex County remains a dynamic and diverse county, with a mix of urban areas and historic towns. Its rich history, cultural institutions, and educational opportunities make it a vibrant and sought-after place to live, work, and visit.
Middlesex County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
- 1643: Middlesex County is established as one of the original counties in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1656: Cambridge, later known as Cambridge Village and then Newtown, is established.
- 1676: King Philip's War affects the county, with several towns attacked and many residents killed or captured.
- 1754: The county seat is moved from Cambridge to Concord.
- 1774: Lexington and Concord, two towns in Middlesex County, play a critical role in the American Revolutionary War with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- 1803: Framingham becomes the county seat, replacing Concord.
- 1825: Charles River Bridge, connecting Boston and Charlestown in Middlesex County, is the first major suspension bridge in the United States.
- 1863: Arlington is established as a separate town from the western part of Cambridge.
- 1974: Middlesex County government is abolished, and most governmental functions are assumed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.