U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Old Middletown Post Office
291 Main St., Middletown, CT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 city of Hartford, Connecticut was the site of the first-ever insurance company in the United States. The Hartford Fire Insurance Company was founded in 1810.
During the American Revolutionary War, Middlesex County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Middletown, the county seat, served as a center for military operations and a base for the Continental army. The county's maritime activity also contributed to the war efforts, as its ports were used for privateering, a form of legalized piracy against British ships.
In the 19th century, Middlesex County saw significant growth and development. The advent of industrialization led to the establishment of textile mills, clock factories, and other manufacturing enterprises. This economic boom brought an influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who added to the county's cultural diversity.
The county's prominence continued into the 20th century with the founding of Wesleyan University in Middletown. The university has a significant impact on the local economy and contributes to the county's educational landscape. Middlesex County also witnessed industrial decline in the late 20th century, as many manufacturing plants closed their doors.
Today, Middlesex County is known for its historic charm, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities. It attracts tourists with its historic sites like Gillette Castle State Park and the Indian Hill Cemetery. The county also offers a range of recreational activities, including boating on the Connecticut River, hiking in state parks, and exploring charming towns like Essex and Old Saybrook.
Middlesex County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Middlesex County, Connecticut.
- 1636: Middlesex County is established by the Connecticut General Court.
- 1700s: The county experiences rapid growth and becomes an important center for shipbuilding, trade, and agriculture.
- 1785: Middletown, located in Middlesex County, becomes the county seat.
- 1800s: The county's economy continues to flourish with the growth of manufacturing industries, including textile mills and ironworks.
- 1860s: Middlesex County plays a role in the American Civil War, providing soldiers and resources to the Union Army.
- 20th century: The county's economy transforms with the decline of traditional industries and the rise of service industries.
- 1960s: Middlesex County experiences suburbanization, with population growth and the development of residential areas.
- 1995: The county celebrates its 350th anniversary, highlighting its rich history and contributions to Connecticut.