National Register Listing

US Post Office-Quincy Main

a.k.a. Quincy Main Post Office

47 Washington St., Quincy, MA
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 World War II military
The first successful human heart transplant in the United States was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1951.
Massachusetts random facts
Norfolk County, Massachusetts, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1793. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, specifically the Massachusett tribe, whose name the state also derived from. However, in the early 17th century, European colonists began to arrive in the region, bringing about significant changes.

In the 1630s, English settlers established the town of Dedham, which would become the first town within what is now Norfolk County. The town served as a political and administrative center for the surrounding area. Over time, more towns were established, including Wrentham, Franklin, and Stoughton, leading to the county's official formation in 1793.

Norfolk County played a significant role during the American Revolution. Many residents actively participated in the war effort, with some joining the Continental Army and others serving as Minutemen. The county was also the site of important engagements, such as the Battle of Bunker Hill in nearby Charlestown.

During the 19th century, Norfolk County underwent various changes and developments. The region was primarily agrarian, with farming and manufacturing being the primary industries. However, with the growth of urban areas like Boston, Norfolk County began to experience suburbanization. Improved transportation infrastructure, such as the construction of railroads, facilitated commuting between the county and the city.

Today, Norfolk County continues to thrive as a suburban area with a diverse economy. It is home to a range of industries, including healthcare, education, technology, and finance. The county also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historical sites, attracting both residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

  • 1679 - Norfolk County is established by the Massachusetts Bay Colony
  • 1700s - Towns within Norfolk County begin to develop and grow
  • 1775-1783 - Norfolk County residents actively participate in the American Revolutionary War
  • 1793 - The Norfolk County Court House is built in Dedham
  • 1801 - Weymouth becomes the first town to separate from Norfolk County
  • 1822 - Quincy separates from Norfolk County
  • 1845 - Norfolk County experiences significant population growth due to industrialization
  • 1863-1865 - Many Norfolk County residents served in the American Civil War
  • 1915 - The Blue Hills Reservation is established, providing recreational opportunities for residents
  • 1956 - The Massachusetts Turnpike is extended through Norfolk County, improving transportation
  • Present - Norfolk County continues to be a vibrant area with a diverse economy and rich history