US Post Office-Dover Main
a.k.a. Dover Main Post Office
133--137 Washington St., Dover, NH 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 state's motto "Live Free or Die" was adopted in 1945 and reflects New Hampshire's long-standing tradition of individualism and self-reliance.
During the American Revolution, Strafford County played a significant role in the struggle for independence. Residents of the county, like many New Englanders, were heavily involved in the colonial cause and fought in battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Bennington. The county also saw its fair share of loyalist activity, with some residents remaining loyal to the British Crown throughout the conflict.
In the 19th century, Strafford County experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth. The textile industry became a dominant force, with numerous mills and factories sprouting up along the Cocheco River, which runs through the central part of the county. These mills played a vital role in shaping the county's economy and attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe.
In more recent times, Strafford County has evolved into a bustling center for education and innovation. It is home to the University of New Hampshire, one of the state's flagship institutions, which has contributed significantly to the growth of the county. Strafford County also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with various galleries, theaters, and music venues attracting residents and visitors alike. Today, the county continues to embrace its historical roots while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.
Strafford County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Strafford County, New Hampshire.
- 1631 - The area that is now Strafford County is first explored by European settlers.
- 1643 - Dover, the first permanent settlement in the county, is established by settlers from England.
- 1680 - The town of Durham is settled as part of the Dover Township.
- 1771 - Strafford County is established as one of the five original counties of New Hampshire.
- 1823 - The county seat is moved from Dover to Strafford.
- 1840 - The Cocheco Manufacturing Company is founded, leading to the industrialization of the county.
- 1872 - The county seat is moved once again, this time to the newly established city of Dover.
- 1890 - Goodwin Park, the first public park in Dover, is opened.
- 1950 - The Strafford County Courthouse is built in Dover, replacing the previous courthouse.
- 2009 - The outlying towns of Strafford County form a regional planning commission, promoting collaboration and development in the county.