National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

a.k.a. U.S. Federal Building

270 Seneca St., Oil City, PA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 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.

architecture post office
The town of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was the site of the famous Civil War battle in 1863, which was the turning point of the war and resulted in a Union victory.
Pennsylvania random facts
Venango County, located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and the Seneca. European exploration of the area began in the 1600s when French and English fur traders arrived in search of beaver pelts. The French claimed the territory and established Fort Machault in 1753, but it was later destroyed by Native American tribes.

In the mid-1700s, conflict arose between the British and the French over control of the region, leading to the French and Indian War. As a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the British gained control of the area, and the region became part of the Province of Pennsylvania. Settlers began to arrive, and the county was officially established in 1800.

Venango County saw significant growth during the oil boom of the late 19th century. In 1859, oil was discovered in the area, leading to a rush of people and businesses. The county played a central role in the development of the oil industry, with several oil wells and refineries being established. The city of Oil City became the center of the industry, attracting workers and investors from all over the country.

Over the years, Venango County experienced economic ups and downs, with industries such as coal mining and manufacturing also playing a role in the local economy. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. Venango County's history is preserved in several museums and historical sites, allowing visitors to learn about its past and appreciate its contributions to Pennsylvania's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Venango County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1800 - Venango County is established on March 12, becoming the 52nd county in Pennsylvania.
  • 1838 - The Borough of Franklin is incorporated on April 17.
  • 1866 - An extensive oil boom begins in the county, leading to rapid growth and wealth creation.
  • 1870 - The Borough of Oil City is incorporated on October 6.
  • 1912 - The Borough of Franklin becomes a third-class city on May 15.
  • 1937 - The Borough of Oil City becomes a third-class city on April 1.
  • 2005 - Venango County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.