National Register Listing

US Post Office-North Tonawanda

a.k.a. North Tonawanda Post Office

141 Goundry St., North Tonawanda, NY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
The first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, studied at the New England Female Medical College in Boston, but she completed her clinical studies at the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in Manhattan in 1864.
New York random facts
Niagara County, located in western New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They utilized the region's abundant natural resources and lived in harmony with the land. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century with French explorers, followed by British and American settlers.

In the 18th century, the area was an important battleground during the French and Indian War, with both British and French forces vying for control. The British ultimately gained control of the region, and it became part of the Province of New York. Following the American Revolution, Niagara County was established in 1808 as one of the original counties of the state.

The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century played a significant role in shaping the county's history. The canal opened up trade and transportation routes, leading to increased settlement and economic growth. The Niagara Falls became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Throughout the 20th century, Niagara County experienced industrial development, particularly in the manufacturing and chemical industries. However, the area also faced challenges such as economic downturns and environmental concerns. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the region's economy and promote sustainable practices.

Today, Niagara County continues to be a vibrant area with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It remains a popular destination for tourists, with attractions like Niagara Falls, historic sites, and wineries. The county's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have continued to shape and define the region over the centuries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Niagara County, New York.

  • 1678 - French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claims the Niagara region for France
  • 1721 - The French establish the first trading post in the area, known as Fort Niagara
  • 1764 - British forces capture Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War
  • 1781 - The Sullivan Expedition passes through the region during the American Revolution, destroying Native American villages
  • 1783 - The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolution and ceding the region to the newly-formed United States
  • 1808 - Niagara County is established as a county in New York State
  • 1829 - The Erie Canal is completed, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and bringing increased trade and development to the region
  • 1856 - The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, the first bridge across the Niagara River, is completed
  • 1885 - The Niagara Power Company begins generating electricity using the Niagara Falls, marking the beginning of the region's role in hydroelectric power
  • 1927 - The Water Pollution Control Laboratory is established in Niagara County, becoming a leader in water pollution research
  • 1956 - The construction of the Niagara Power Project begins, later becoming one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the United States
  • 1996 - The Niagara Wine Trail is established, promoting the region's growing wine industry
  • 2003 - The Seneca Niagara Casino opens, bringing tourism and gaming to the area