Old Post Office And Federal Building
a.k.a. United States Post Office and Federal Building
SE corner of W. 3rd and Wilkinson Sts., Dayton, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. Construction on the building began in 1839 and was completed in 1861.
During the early 20th century, Dayton played a significant role in the development of aviation and transportation. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, who hailed from Dayton, made their famous first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. Their innovation and passion for aviation put Dayton on the map as the birthplace of aviation, and the city continues to honor that legacy today.
In the mid-20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant growth and economic prosperity. The area was home to numerous manufacturing companies, particularly in the automobile, aerospace, and defense industries. The city of Dayton became known as the "Gem City" due to its bustling economy and cultural offerings, including theaters, museums, and parks.
In recent years, Montgomery County has faced challenges relating to the decline of traditional manufacturing and the impact of economic recessions. However, the county has worked to diversify its economy by focusing on healthcare, education, and research sectors. Today, Montgomery County continues to be an important center of innovation and a vibrant community that values its history while embracing the opportunities of the future.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montgomery County, Ohio.
- 1803: Montgomery County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
- 1812-1813: Fort Dayton is built in what is now Dayton to protect settlers during the War of 1812.
- 1827: The Miami and Erie Canal is completed, connecting Dayton to Cincinnati and Lake Erie.
- 1840s: The railroads arrive in Montgomery County, leading to economic growth and increased trade.
- 1870: Dayton becomes known as the "Gem City" due to its prosperous manufacturing industry.
- 1903: The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, successfully fly their powered aircraft in Dayton.
- 1913: The Great Dayton Flood devastates the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 1922: The world's first coordinated system of arterial highways is implemented in Montgomery County.
- 1935: The US Air Force establishes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.
- 1969: The University of Dayton becomes co-ed, admitting women for the first time.
- 1998: The Dayton Peace Accords are signed, ending the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.