US Post Office-Ansonia Main
a.k.a. Ansonia Main Post Office
237 Main St., Ansonia, CT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Connecticut is known as the "Constitution State" because the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which was adopted in 1639, is considered to be one of the first written constitutions in the world.
During the colonial period, New Haven County played a significant role in the development of the Connecticut Colony. The settlement grew rapidly and became a major center of trade and commerce. In 1701, the city of New Haven was officially chartered as a separate municipality, and Yale College, now known as Yale University, was founded in 1701. The college became a prestigious institution and helped solidify New Haven County's reputation as an intellectual and cultural hub.
New Haven County was also a prominent player in the American Revolutionary War. The region was heavily involved in the resistance against British rule, with notable figures like Benedict Arnold and Nathan Hale hailing from the area. The Battle of New Haven in 1779 saw British forces invade the city, but thanks to the local militia's resistance, the British troops were eventually repelled.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, New Haven County thrived as an industrial center, particularly in manufacturing. The region was known for its production of firearms, clocks, and rubber goods. The city of New Haven saw significant growth and urban development during this period, attracting immigrants from all over the world, especially from Italy and Ireland. Today, New Haven County remains an important part of Connecticut's history, with its architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and vibrant communities.
New Haven County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of New Haven County, Connecticut.
- 1638: The New Haven Colony was founded by English Puritans
- 1644: New Haven Colony becomes a part of the Connecticut Colony
- 1662: Connecticut Colony receives a Royal Charter, formalizing its existence
- 1722: New Haven County is established from the southwestern part of the Connecticut Colony
- 1764: The city of New Haven is incorporated
- 1885: The city of Waterbury is incorporated
- 1893: Hamden is incorporated as a town
- 1920: New Haven County experiences significant industrial growth
- 1954: Construction of the Connecticut Turnpike begins
- 1958: Yale University and the city of New Haven engage in urban renewal projects
- 1975: The Connecticut Post Mall opens in Milford
- 1990: The Peabody Museum of Natural History relocates to a new building at Yale
- 2005: New Haven celebrates the 350th anniversary of its founding