National Register Listing

United State Post Office, Courthouse, and Federal Building

a.k.a. John W. McCormack U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  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 politics government gravesites
The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630, was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and the formation of the new nation.
Massachusetts random facts
Suffolk County, located in eastern Massachusetts, has a long and rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The area was originally inhabited by the Massachusett Native American tribe, who lived along the shores of the Charles River and Boston Harbor. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in nearby Plymouth, marking the beginning of European settlement in the region.

In 1630, the settlement of Boston was founded by Puritan colonists led by John Winthrop. Over the next few decades, Boston became a major center of trade and commerce. Suffolk County was officially established in 1643, encompassing the towns of Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester. The county was named after Suffolk in East Anglia, England, the birthplace of many of the settlers.

During the American Revolution, Suffolk County played a significant role. The Boston Tea Party, a protest against British taxation, occurred in Boston Harbor in 1773. Battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in the county, as the British sought to regain control of the city. After the war, Boston continued to thrive as an important port and center of industry.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Suffolk County experienced significant growth and development. The Industrial Revolution led to the expansion of manufacturing, with industries such as textiles and shoes becoming prominent. The county also underwent a major urban renewal effort in the mid-20th century, resulting in the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure.

Today, Suffolk County remains a vibrant and diverse region, home to the city of Boston and many other thriving communities. It continues to be a hub of culture, education, and innovation, attracting residents and visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

  • Suffolk County, MA was established in 1643.
  • In 1774, the county played a significant role in the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Tea Party.
  • During the 19th century, Suffolk County became an important center for manufacturing and trade.
  • In the early 20th century, Suffolk County experienced an influx of immigrants, particularly from Europe.
  • In 2004, Suffolk County became the first county in Massachusetts to adopt the Community Preservation Act.