U.S. Post Office
2000 Milvia St., Berkeley, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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 Transcontinental Railroad was completed in Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869, but the western terminus of the railroad was actually in Oakland, California. The railroad made it easier and faster to travel across the country, and helped to spur California's economic growth.
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, arrived in the area. The Spanish established missions, including Mission San Jose, and began to establish settlements. The area eventually came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the land was primarily used for cattle ranching and agriculture.
In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the region, including Alameda County. Settlers came in search of gold, but many also recognized the potential for agriculture and industry in the area. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Oakland Long Wharf, facilitating trade and commerce.
As the 20th century dawned, Alameda County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Oakland emerged as a major urban center, with a thriving port and a diverse population. The county also saw the establishment of various industries, including shipping, manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing. Alameda County played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic military location, hosting naval bases and shipyards.
Today, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region, home to numerous cities and communities. It is known for its cultural institutions, tech industry, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life for its residents.
Alameda County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alameda County, California.
- 1853: Alameda County is created from a large portion of Contra Costa County
- 1855: The city of Oakland is incorporated
- 1868: The University of California is founded in Oakland
- 1872: The first transcontinental railroad connection to the East Coast is completed in Oakland
- 1874: The city of Berkeley is incorporated
- 1900: The city of Fremont is incorporated
- 1906: The devastating San Francisco earthquake also affects Alameda County
- 1916: Alameda County courthouse in Oakland is completed
- 1936: The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is opened
- 1966: The Black Panther Party is founded in Oakland
- 1970: The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is consolidated
- 1997: The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory opens in Livermore