United States Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. Federal Building and United States Courthouse
15 Henry St., Binghamton, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
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 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.
In 1806, Broome County was officially established and named after John Broome, who was then the lieutenant governor of New York. The county experienced rapid growth and development in the 19th century, thanks to the expansion of the Erie Canal, which connected the area to the Great Lakes and fueled economic prosperity. The county became a hub for transportation and industry, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants.
During the American Civil War, Broome County contributed troops to the Union Army and played a role in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom in Canada. After the war, the county continued to thrive, with the growth of manufacturing, agriculture, and education.
In the 20th century, Broome County faced its share of challenges. The Great Depression hit the area hard, leading to unemployment and economic hardship. However, the county rebounded during World War II, as local factories shifted production to support the war effort. The county also became known for its aviation industry, with companies like Link Aviation and Universal Instruments making a significant impact.
Today, Broome County is a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The area is home to Binghamton University, which has become a leading educational institution, as well as numerous cultural and recreational attractions. Broome County retains its role as a transportation hub, with an airport, highways, and railway routes connecting it to the rest of New York State and beyond.
Broome County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Broome County, New York.
- 1779 - Broome County is settled by European Americans after the Sullivan Expedition.
- 1806 - Broome County is formed from parts of Tioga and Ulster counties.
- 1812 - The Chenango Canal is completed, connecting the Susquehanna River to the Erie Canal.
- 1848 - The Binghamton Railroad is constructed, linking the county to the rest of New York.
- 1880 - Binghamton becomes a center for the cigar-making industry.
- 1913 - The Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, known as the "Dome," is built in Binghamton.
- 1947 - Endicott Johnson, a major shoe manufacturing company, closes its last factory in Binghamton.
- 1970 - IBM opens a large plant in the Town of Union, becoming a major employer in the county.
- 2006 - Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system, expands with new facilities.