Erie Federal Courthouse and Post Office
a.k.a. Erie Federal Courthouse
Jct. of 6th and State Sts., Erie, PA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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.
Pennsylvania is home to the longest stone arch bridge in the world, the Rockville Bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.
In the 18th century, the area that is now Erie County became part of the larger region known as the Pennsylvanian frontier. The French and Indian War and the American Revolution further shaped the history of the county, as forts and military outposts were established to protect the area from conflict. These events also led to a significant influx of settlers, mostly of European descent, who established farms and towns in the region.
Erie County's strategic location on the shores of Lake Erie made it an ideal location for trade and industry in the 19th century. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected the region to the Atlantic Ocean and led to a boom in shipping and commerce. The county's natural resources, including iron ore and coal, also contributed to its economic growth. The establishment of the city of Erie as a port and industrial center further solidified the county's position as an important hub.
In the 20th century, Erie County experienced both economic prosperity and challenges. The decline of the manufacturing industry in the latter half of the century led to job losses and economic downturn, but the area has made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, Erie County is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Presque Isle State Park, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Erie County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Erie County, Pennsylvania.
- 1795: Erie County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
- 1800: The first settlers arrive in the area.
- 1803: Erie County becomes part of the newly created Ohio Territory.
- 1805: The town of Erie is founded.
- 1812: The War of 1812 begins, and Erie County becomes a key location for naval activities.
- 1839: The first courthouse is built in Erie County.
- 1877: The Erie Extension Canal is completed, connecting Lake Erie to Pittsburgh.
- 1881: The first electric streetcar line is established in Erie County.
- 1892: Presque Isle State Park is established.
- 1917: The United States enters World War I, leading to increased industrial activity in Erie County.
- 1938: The first water treatment plant is built in Erie County.
- 1959: The Bayfront Parkway is completed, improving transportation and access to Lake Erie.
- 1983: The Erie Land and Water Transportation System is designated a National Historic Landmark.
- 2018: Erie County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.