Old Akron Post Office
a.k.a. United States Post Office
70 E. Market St., Akron, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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 Kent State shootings, in which National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, took place in Ohio. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the closure of hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States.
The development of the Ohio and Erie Canal played a significant role in the county's growth. Completed in 1832, the canal transformed Summit County into a major transportation hub, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. This led to an economic boom, attracting industries such as coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing. Akron, the county seat, became known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to the presence of major tire companies like Goodyear and Firestone.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Summit County experienced rapid urbanization, fueled by the growth of its industries. The area attracted a diverse immigrant population, with substantial numbers of Eastern European, Irish, and Italian migrants settling in the region. They contributed to the cultural richness of the area, establishing their own communities and bringing their unique traditions with them.
In recent decades, Summit County has transitioned from an industrial-based economy to one focused on healthcare, education, and technology. The University of Akron has become a prominent institution, drawing students from across the region, while the Akron Global Business Accelerator supports the growth of tech startups. Today, Summit County is a vibrant and diverse area that combines historical charm with modern innovation.
Summit County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Summit County, Ohio.
- 1840: Summit County is established as one of the 88 counties in Ohio.
- 1841: Canal construction in the county begins, aiding in the area's economic growth.
- 1846: The Akron and Summit County Institute is established, marking the beginnings of higher education in the county.
- 1865: The American Civil War ends, bringing changes and challenges to Summit County.
- 1870: The Akron Public Library is founded, providing accessible knowledge to the community.
- 1914: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is established in Akron, becoming a significant industrial presence.
- 1935: Summit County experiences severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and inadequate flood control measures.
- 1950: Akron becomes known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" as numerous rubber companies expand in the area.
- 1970: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is established, preserving natural beauty in Summit County.
- 1986: The Akron Art Museum moves to its current location, showcasing art exhibitions and educational programs.
- 2008: The downtown area of Akron undergoes revitalization efforts to attract more businesses and residents.