National Register Listing

US Post Office-Spring Valley

a.k.a. Spring Valley Post Office

7 N. Madison Ave., Spring Valley, NY
Local significance of the building:
Art; 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.

art politics government architecture post office
The Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931, was built during the Great Depression and was funded entirely by private investors. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world.
New York random facts
Rockland County, located in the southeastern part of New York State, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Munsee Lenape Native Americans, who lived along the banks of the Hudson River and relied on the bountiful natural resources of the region.

European settlement of Rockland County began in the early 17th century when Dutch and French Huguenot settlers established communities along the Hudson River. The Dutch West India Company purchased the land from Native American tribes in the mid-1600s, and the area became known as Orange County. In 1798, Rockland County was carved out of Orange County, and it was officially established as a separate county.

During the American Revolutionary War, Rockland County played a significant role. British forces occupied the area for a large portion of the war, making it a central location for military operations. Notably, the Battle of Stony Point took place in 1779, where American forces successfully recaptured the strategic Stony Point fort from the British in a daring midnight assault.

In the 19th century, Rockland County experienced significant industrial growth. The Hudson River provided an ideal shipping route for goods, leading to the development of thriving industries, such as brickmaking, quarrying, and textile manufacturing. The construction of railroads further fueled economic growth and helped connect the county to nearby cities like New York City.

Today, Rockland County is a desirable suburban area with a diverse population and a thriving economy. It is known for its charming towns and villages, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical societies, and community events, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

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

  • 1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer, sails up the Hudson River and explores the area now known as Rockland County.
  • 1664: The Dutch formally cede New Netherland to the English, and this region becomes part of the Province of New York.
  • 1683: Rockland County is established as one of the original 12 counties of New York.
  • 1777: British forces occupy Nyack during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1798: The Nyack Turnpike, the first major road in the county, is established.
  • 1806: The Village of Haverstraw is incorporated.
  • 1828: The Erie Railroad, the first major railroad in the county, opens.
  • 1845: The county's name changes from Orange County to Rockland County.
  • 1854: The West Shore Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation options.
  • 1883: The Nyack Suspension Bridge, now known as the Tappan Zee Bridge, is opened.
  • 1929: Palisades Interstate Park is established, protecting scenic areas along the Hudson River.
  • 1950s: Suburbanization begins, with many new housing developments springing up in the county.
  • 1994: The Tappan Zee Bridge is replaced by a new bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.