US Post Office-Lake George
a.k.a. Lake George Post Office
Canada and James St., Lake George, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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 capital of the United States was actually located in New York City, from 1785 to 1790. The city also served as the temporary capital while Washington, D.C. was being built.
In the early years of settlement, agriculture played a significant role in Warren County's economy. Farmers cultivated crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, while the region's abundant forests provided timber for construction and trade. The completion of the Champlain Canal in 1823 opened up new opportunities for commerce and transportation, linking Warren County to markets throughout the Hudson River Valley.
The mid-19th century brought significant changes to the county with the emergence of the lumber and mining industries. The vast forests of Warren County were harvested for timber, which was used for building homes, ships, and railroad ties. Additionally, iron mines were opened, and the county became an important producer of iron ore. This period of growth and industrialization led to an increase in population and the development of new towns and villages throughout Warren County.
With the decline of the lumber and mining industries in the late 19th century, tourism emerged as a major economic driver for Warren County. The region's natural beauty, including Lake George, the Adirondack Mountains, and numerous recreational opportunities, attracted visitors from near and far. Today, Warren County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historical sites that showcase the county's fascinating past.
Warren County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Warren County, New York.
- 1768 - Warren County founded as part of Albany County in the Province of New York.
- 1772 - The town of Queensbury is settled.
- 1780 - During the American Revolutionary War, General John Stark's forces win the Battle of Bennington, which helps to secure the area.
- 1813 - Warren County is officially formed on March 12th, 1813.
- 1839 - Lake George steamboats begin operating, promoting tourism in the region.
- 1851 - A fire destroys a significant portion of the county seat, resulting in the relocation of the county government to Glens Falls.
- 1863 - The Battle of Fort Ann, a minor engagement during the American Civil War, takes place in Warren County.
- 1908 - The Glen Iris Inn on Lake Placid, now known as The Sagamore, opens and becomes a renowned resort attracting wealthy visitors.
- 1928 - The Sacandaga Reservoir is completed, flooding large portions of the county and displacing numerous communities.
- 1950s - The construction of the Northway (Interstate 87) brings increased accessibility to Warren County and boosts tourism.