U.S. Post Office and Court House
a.k.a. William J. Nealon Federal Building and United States Courthouse
235 N Washington Ave., Scranton, PA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
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 recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
The discovery of anthracite coal in the area in the early 19th century led to a rapid growth of the coal mining industry, making Lackawanna County a crucial player in the Industrial Revolution. The region became known as the "Coal Capital of the World," attracting thousands of workers from various ethnic backgrounds. Along with the mining industry, iron and steel works also flourished, further contributing to the county's economic growth.
During the 20th century, Lackawanna County faced challenges as the demand for coal declined and many coal mines closed. However, efforts were made to diversify the economy, leading to the establishment of industries such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The area also became a major hub for transportation, with the construction of highways, railways, and an international airport.
In recent years, Lackawanna County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, museums, and historical landmarks. The region's natural beauty, including the Pocono Mountains, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Today, Lackawanna County remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm, industrial heritage, and a vision for the future.
Lackawanna County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
- 1786: Lackawanna County was formed from part of Luzerne County.
- 1840: The Delaware and Hudson Canal opened, connecting the county to the Hudson River.
- 1851: The Scranton Iron Furnaces were built, establishing the county as an industrial center.
- 1877: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 occurred in the county, leading to violent clashes between workers and authorities.
- 1896: Electric streetcars were introduced in the city of Scranton.
- 1902: The Knox Mine Disaster, a mining accident, resulted in the flooding of several mines and the loss of many lives.
- 1926: The Scranton-Lackawanna Airport was opened.
- 1958: The Steamtown National Historic Site was established, preserving the region's railroad heritage.
- 1976: The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour opened to the public as a tourist attraction.