US Post Office-East Rochester
a.k.a. East Rochester Post Office
206 W. Commercial St., East Rochester, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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-ever recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey, but the modern rules of the game were established in New York City in 1845 by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for trade along the river. In 1808, Monroe County was officially established and named after President James Monroe. The early years were marked by agricultural development, with farms and mills being established across the county.
The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century had a significant impact on Monroe County. The canal connected the Great Lakes with the Hudson River, making Rochester, the county seat, a bustling center of commerce and industry. Businesses flourished as the city became a major transportation hub, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants from all over the world.
Throughout the 20th century, Monroe County continued to develop and diversify. Rochester became known as the "Flower City," with flourishing horticulture and seed industries. The county also played a vital role in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of cameras, optical equipment, and other technological advancements.
Today, Monroe County remains a vibrant and thriving region, with a strong economy and a rich cultural heritage. The county is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, solidifying its reputation as a center for innovation and knowledge. While industry has evolved and changed over the years, the county continues to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Monroe County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Monroe County, New York.
- 1683 - Monroe County is part of Albany County, which was formed by the English colonial government.
- 1796 - The Treaty of Big Tree is signed, transferring land in Monroe County from the Seneca Nation to the United States.
- 1812 - Haussauer's Mills, now known as Rochester, is settled by European-American settlers on the Genesee River.
- 1821 - Monroe County is officially created as a county from parts of Genesee County and Ontario County.
- 1823 - Rochester becomes the county seat of Monroe County.
- 1834 - Nathaniel Rochester, one of Rochester's founders, dies. The city is named after him.
- 1842 - The Erie Canal is enlarged and deepened, boosting Rochester's economy and population.
- 1853 - Rochester becomes an incorporated city.
- 1905 - The City of Rochester annexes several surrounding towns and villages, expanding its borders.
- 1950s - Kodak and Xerox, both headquartered in Rochester, have their heyday and contribute to the local economy.
- 2017 - Unity Health System and Rochester General Health System merge to form Rochester Regional Health, a major healthcare provider in the area.