Historical Marker

Bronx Post Office

Historical marker location:
558 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York
( Marker is on Grand Concourse just north of East 149th Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1989

Designated Landmark. New York City

  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 first capital of the United States was actually located in New York City, from 1785 to 1790. The city also served as the temporary capital while Washington, D.C. was being built.
New York random facts
Bronx County, located in the state of New York, has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when it was inhabited by Native American tribes. European settlement began in the 17th century, as Dutch and English colonizers arrived in the area. In 1874, Bronx County was established as one of the five original counties in New York City. Originally a rural area, it experienced significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the expansion of transportation networks and the arrival of immigrant communities.

During the late 19th century, the Bronx began to develop as a residential suburban area, attracting wealthy residents seeking a retreat from the bustling city of Manhattan. The construction of the Harlem River Ship Canal in 1895 further spurred development. As a result, neighborhoods such as Riverdale and the South Bronx emerged with elegant homes and park-like settings.

However, the early 20th century brought significant changes to the Bronx. The arrival of new immigrants, particularly from Eastern and Southern Europe, transformed the demographic makeup of the county. Large-scale urbanization led to the construction of tenement buildings, rapid population growth, and the rise of industrialization.

In the second half of the 20th century, the Bronx faced considerable challenges, including widespread poverty, crime rates, and urban decay. The borough experienced significant unrest and social strife during the 1970s and 1980s, symbolized by the South Bronx's devastated neighborhoods. However, in recent years, the Bronx has shown signs of revitalization and resurgence, with ongoing redevelopment initiatives, improvements in infrastructure, and a growing economy. The borough has also maintained its cultural richness, with vibrant communities, diverse industries, and iconic landmarks like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bronx County, New York.

  • 1914 - Bronx County is established as a separate county in New York City.
  • 1898 - The Bronx becomes a borough of New York City after the consolidation of the city's five boroughs.
  • 1874 - The Bronx is annexed by New York City.
  • 1846 - The area is separated from Westchester County and becomes part of New York County.
  • 1683 - The land that would become the Bronx is included in Westchester County when it is created.
  • 1636 - Jonas Bronck becomes the first European settler in the area, which later becomes known as the Bronx.
  • 1524 - The first European contact with the area is made by explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano.