National Register Listing

US Post Office-Medina

a.k.a. Medina Post Office

128 W. Center St., Medina, 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
In 1945, the United Nations was established in New York City, and its headquarters is located on a 17-acre site on the east side of Manhattan overlooking the East River.
New York random facts
Orleans County, New York, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1824. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to the Seneca Nation, part of the larger Iroquois Confederacy. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and a significant influx occurred after the Holland Purchase of 1802, when the land was acquired from the Seneca Nation by the Holland Land Company.

The county's name, Orleans, pays tribute to the influential French General, Louis-Philippe d'Orléans. The early settlers faced challenges in establishing settlements due to the dense forests and swampy lands. However, by the early 19th century, the completion of the Erie Canal brought prosperity and growth to the region.

During the mid-19th century, Orleans County experienced rapid progress in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of apples and wheat. The canal system also facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the development of towns and hamlets along its path. The county's first courthouse and jail were erected in 1825 in Albion, which became the county seat. The 19th century also saw the establishment of schools, churches, and other key institutions.

In the 20th century, Orleans County continued to thrive as an agricultural hub, specializing in the production of fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. The county also became known for its extensive apple orchards and fruit processing plants. Today, Orleans County maintains its agricultural heritage while embracing modern industry and tourism, offering attractions such as the Erie Canalway Trail, historical museums, and festivals celebrating its cultural past.

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

  • 1802: Orleans County is formed from parts of Genesee County.
  • 1813: The village of Gaines is established as the first settlement in the county.
  • 1818: The town of Albion is established as the county seat.
  • 1824: The Erie Canal is completed, bringing economic growth to the county.
  • 1825: The village of Medina is incorporated.
  • 1858: The Holley Manufacturing Company is founded in Holley village.
  • 1872: The town of Kendall is established.
  • 1911: The Cobblestone Museum is established in Childs village.
  • 1959: The Oak Orchard State Marine Park is created.
  • 2019: The apple industry remains an important part of the county's economy.