National Register Listing

Old Post Office Block

a.k.a. Mirror Block;Machinist's

54--72 Hanover St., Manchester, NH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Communications

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.

post office
In 1853, New Hampshire became the first state to pass a law requiring schools to provide free education to all children.
New Hampshire random facts
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1769. Named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough and colonial secretary, the county originally encompassed a large portion of present-day southern New Hampshire. In its early days, Hillsborough County was primarily a rural farming community, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy.

During the American Revolution, Hillsborough County played a significant role. Many local residents joined the fight for independence and participated in key battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill. The town of Hillsborough itself served as a key supply center for the Continental Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development, with the construction of mills and the expansion of trade along the Merrimack River.

The mid-19th century brought further changes to Hillsborough County as industrialization gained momentum. Nashua, the county's largest city, became an industrial hub, with the production of textiles, shoes, and machinery fueling its economy. The construction of railroads further accelerated industrial growth and facilitated the transportation of goods across the region.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to evolve. The county's population increased, and suburbanization became a prevalent trend. Cities like Manchester and Nashua developed into thriving metropolitan areas, while small towns retained their rural character. Today, Hillsborough County remains a vibrant and diverse region, combining historical significance with a modern way of life.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

  • 1769: Hillsborough County is established in the Province of New Hampshire.
  • 1771: The county seat is established in Amherst.
  • 1769-1775: The county experiences significant growth and development.
  • 1776-1781: Hillsborough County is heavily involved in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1781: The county seat is moved from Amherst to Hillsborough.
  • 19th century: Hillsborough County becomes a center for manufacturing and industrialization.
  • 1823: The city of Manchester is incorporated.
  • 1846: The first railroad line reaches Hillsborough County.
  • 1846-1880s: The county experiences a boom in the textile industry.
  • 20th century: Hillsborough County undergoes urbanization and economic diversification.
  • 1972: The Amoskeag Mills, once the largest textile factory in the world, closes.
  • 1990s-present: Hillsborough County becomes a hub for technology, healthcare, and education.