U.S. Post Office
Sandusky and South Sts., Chesterville, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.
In its early days, Morrow County was primarily an agricultural community, with farmers cultivating the fertile soil for crops and raising livestock. The construction of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities for trade and contributed to the county's growth. The establishment of rail lines connected Mount Gilead and surrounding communities, boosting the local economy and encouraging industrial development.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Morrow County experienced a boom in coal mining. The discovery of vast coal reserves led to the opening of numerous mines, attracting workers from across the region. This influx of residents brought increased prosperity and a need for infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, to support the growing population.
In more recent years, Morrow County has seen a shift in its economic focus. The decline of the coal industry and advancements in agriculture technology have led to a stronger emphasis on farming and agribusiness. The county is now known for its corn, soybean, and wheat production, as well as its dairy farms. Today, Morrow County continues to thrive as a rural community, preserving its historical roots while embracing modern advancements.
Morrow County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morrow County, Ohio.
- 1813: Morrow County is established and named after Jeremiah Morrow, the ninth Governor of Ohio.
- 1814: The first settlers begin to arrive in Morrow County.
- 1848: The Ohio and Erie Canal is completed, providing a significant transportation route through the county.
- 1850: The population of Morrow County reaches over 7,000 residents.
- 1861-1865: Morrow County residents join in the American Civil War and fight for the Union.
- 1874: The county seat is moved from Mount Gilead to a more central location in the town of Cardington.
- 1890: The population of Morrow County reaches its peak at over 17,000 residents.
- 1929-1945: The Great Depression and World War II impact the county, causing economic hardships and military service.
- 1950s-1960s: Agriculture becomes a prominent industry in Morrow County.
- 1990s: Industrial and commercial growth accelerates in the county.