National Register Listing

US Post Office-Amsterdam

a.k.a. Amsterdam Post Office

12--16 Church St., Amsterdam, NY
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  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 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.

post office
The New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.
New York random facts
Montgomery County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that spans hundreds of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and the Iroquois Confederacy. European colonists arrived in the 17th century, establishing trade relationships and settlements with the Native Americans.

The county was officially established in 1772 and named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. During the war, the area played a significant role as a military supply hub and battleground. Notably, the Battle of Oriskany in 1777 was a pivotal encounter in which American forces fought British loyalists and Native American allies.

In the early 19th century, Montgomery County experienced a boom in industrialization and commerce. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, passed through the county, bringing increased trade and prosperity. Factories and mills sprang up along the canal, harnessing its power for manufacturing and contributing to the county's economic growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Montgomery County faced various challenges and changes. Deindustrialization and the decline of manufacturing industries led to economic struggles. However, efforts to diversify the economy were undertaken, with tourism and agriculture becoming increasingly important sectors. Today, the county continues to grow and adapt, preserving its heritage while embracing new opportunities for development and prosperity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Montgomery County, New York.

  • 1772 - Montgomery County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1776 - The American Revolutionary War begins, and Montgomery County becomes an important area for military operations.
  • 1784 - The county seat is established in the village of Johnstown.
  • 1793 - The Erie Canal is constructed, providing a major transportation route through Montgomery County.
  • 1803 - The village of Amsterdam is incorporated.
  • 1838 - The Montgomery County Courthouse in Johnstown is destroyed by fire.
  • 1855 - The Fonda, Johnstown, and Gloversville Railroad is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1869 - The Beech-Nut packing company is founded in Canajoharie.
  • 1960 - The construction of the New York State Thruway begins, connecting Montgomery County to the rest of the state.
  • 1974 - The county's population reaches its peak at over 100,000 residents.
  • 2020 - Today, Montgomery County is a rural area known for its historical attractions and natural beauty.