U.S. Post Office and Customhouse
a.k.a. Smith-Goldberg U.S. Army Reserve Center
SE corner of Main and Church Sts., Burlington, VT 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.
Vermont was the first state to establish a state park: In 1900, Vermont established the first state park in the United States, known as the Mt. Tom State Park. The park is located in Woodstock, Vermont.
By the late 18th century, Chittenden County experienced rapid growth as more settlers moved into the region. In 1783, the town of Burlington was incorporated, named after the town of Burlington, Massachusetts. Burlington quickly became a major economic and cultural hub in the county, with its strategic location on Lake Champlain and proximity to major trade routes. The town also saw the establishment of the University of Vermont in 1791, which further solidified Burlington's importance.
During the 19th century, Chittenden County's economy diversified, with the rise of manufacturing and industry in the area. Industries such as lumber, textiles, and farming flourished, and new towns and villages were established. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further spurred economic growth and connected Chittenden County to larger markets both within Vermont and beyond.
In the 20th century, Chittenden County continued to grow and develop rapidly. The county experienced a population boom, particularly in the post-World War II era, with suburbanization and the expansion of Burlington. The University of Vermont also grew in size and reputation, attracting more students and contributing to the county's intellectual and cultural vibrancy. Today, Chittenden County remains one of Vermont's most populous and economically prosperous regions, known for its beautiful natural landscapes, thriving arts scene, and strong sense of community.
Chittenden County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chittenden County, Vermont.
- 1763: Chittenden County is chartered by colonial governor Benning Wentworth and named after Thomas Chittenden, the first Governor of Vermont.
- 1783: The American Revolutionary War ends, and Chittenden County becomes part of the newly established state of Vermont.
- 1800: Burlington, the largest city in Chittenden County, is incorporated.
- 1813: The University of Vermont is founded in Burlington.
- 1840s: The Champlain and Connecticut River Railroad is constructed, connecting Chittenden County to other parts of Vermont and New England.
- 1862: The first public park in the United States, Shelburne Farms, is established in Shelburne.
- 1888: The University of Vermont Medical Center (formerly known as the Mary Fletcher Hospital) is founded in Burlington.
- 1927: The first airport in Vermont, the Burlington International Airport, opens in South Burlington.
- 1978: The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is founded in Shelburne.
- 2002: The Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only shopping and dining area, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Burlington.