National Register Listing

US Post Office-Arlington

a.k.a. Arlington Post Office

3118 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  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.

community planning and development art architecture post office
Virginia was home to some of the earliest organized resistance to British rule, with the formation of the Sons of Liberty in the mid-1760s.
Virginia random facts
Arlington County, VA has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Powhatan and the Chesapeake peoples, who lived along the banks of the Potomac River. European exploration of the region began in the early 17th century, with Captain John Smith and others making contact with the local tribes.

In 1801, the federal government acquired land along the Potomac River to establish the District of Columbia, including what is now Arlington County. However, in 1846, the portion of the land on the Virginia side of the river was retroceded back to Virginia due to political tensions between the southern states and the federal government.

During the American Civil War, Arlington County played a significant role. The area was turned into a military encampment and eventually became the site of Arlington National Cemetery, where Union soldiers were buried. After the war, the land was returned to its original owner, George Washington Custis Lee, the grandson of George Washington. In 1871, the government purchased the land from Lee's family, and the cemetery continued to grow.

In the 20th century, Arlington County experienced rapid suburbanization and urban development. The construction of the Pentagon in the 1940s and the expansion of federal agencies led to an influx of residents and increased economic activity. Today, Arlington County is known for its vibrant communities, bustling urban centers, and close proximity to Washington, D.C. It is also home to numerous landmarks, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Arlington County, Virginia.

  • 1600: Native American tribes, including the Doeg and Nacotchtank, live in the area now known as Arlington County.
  • 1634: English settlers establish a trading post near present-day Rosslyn.
  • 1801: The United States purchases the land that will eventually become Arlington County as part of the District of Columbia.
  • 1846: The portion of the District of Columbia west of the Potomac River is returned to Virginia due to legislation passed by Congress.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins.
  • 1864: Arlington House, belonging to General Robert E. Lee, is seized by the Union Army and becomes the site of Arlington National Cemetery.
  • 1920: The name of the county is changed from Alexandria County to Arlington County.
  • 1954: Integration of public schools in Arlington County takes place following the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
  • 1970s: Arlington County experiences significant growth in population and urban development.
  • 2001: The Pentagon is damaged during the September 11 terrorist attacks.