Old Post Office
a.k.a. U.S. Government Building and Post Office
N. State St., between Capitol and Park St., Concord, NH 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.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, was established in 1800 and has built and repaired many of the U.S. Navy's ships.
During the colonial era, European settlers built towns and villages along the Merrimack River, attracted by its fertile land and access to water transportation. Concord, the county seat and state capital, was founded in 1725 and became an important political and economic center in the region. It played a vital role during the American Revolution as the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the beginning of the war.
In the 19th century, Merrimack County experienced significant industrialization and economic growth. The construction of canals and railroads connected the county to national markets, leading to the expansion of manufacturing industries, including textiles, paper mills, and granite quarries. The city of Franklin, known as the "Granite Capital of the World," became a major center for granite production, supplying materials for iconic structures like the Library of Congress and the Brooklyn Bridge.
In the 20th century, Merrimack County continued to develop its industrial and agricultural sectors. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded with the growth of defense-related industries during World War II. The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of colleges, museums, and cultural organizations.
Today, Merrimack County remains an important hub of commerce, government, and culture in New Hampshire. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant communities make it a unique and desirable place to live and visit.
Merrimack County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
- 1765: Merrimack County is established as one of the five original counties in New Hampshire.
- 1769: The county seat is established in the town of Salisbury.
- 1772: The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Boscawen.
- 1791: The county seat is transferred to Concord.
- 1823: The county courthouse is built in Concord.
- 1841: The Merrimack County Agricultural Society is founded.
- 1846: The Merrimack County Savings Bank is established.
- 1849: The Northern Railroad is completed, running through Merrimack County.
- 1866: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is organized in Concord.
- 1889: The state prison is relocated to Concord.
- 1893: The New Hampshire Historical Society is founded in Concord.
- 1901: The county courthouse in Concord is destroyed by fire.
- 1903: A new county courthouse is built in Concord.
- 1907: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is formed in Concord.
- 1941: The Mount Sunapee Resort opens in Newbury.
- 1968: Merrimack Valley High School is established in Penacook.