U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Open Air Post Office
SW corner of 1st Ave. N. and 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
Florida is home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine, which was founded by the Spanish in 1565.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought significant changes to the area, as they claimed the land for Spain. However, it was not until the 19th century that Pinellas County began to experience significant settlement and development. The United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1821, and the region gradually attracted settlers, particularly following the U.S. Army's construction of Fort Harrison in 1849.
In the late 1800s, the area began to develop into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches and pleasant climate. Railroads played a crucial role in facilitating tourism and development, making it easier for people to reach the area. The town of St. Petersburg was founded in 1888 and quickly grew into a thriving city. In 1912, Pinellas County was officially established, named after the Spanish words for "pine" and "small," reflecting the region's abundance of pine trees.
Throughout the 20th century, Pinellas County continued to develop and grow. The construction of causeways and bridges connected the county to neighboring regions, further boosting tourism and economic opportunities. The county experienced significant population growth and saw the rise of industries such as tourism, healthcare, and technology. Today, Pinellas County is known for its vibrant communities, stunning beaches, and diverse cultural attractions, making it a highly desirable place to live and visit.
Pinellas County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pinellas County, Florida.
- 1528 - Pánfilo de Narváez, a Spanish explorer, arrives in the area
- 1834 - The United States Army establishes Fort Harrison in the vicinity
- 1842 - The Armed Occupation Act encourages settlers to move into the area
- 1852 - Hillsborough County is divided, creating Pinellas County
- 1911 - The first bridge connecting the area to Tampa is built
- 1914 - The railroad arrives, boosting economic development
- 1915 - St. Petersburg is incorporated as a city
- 1921 - The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is constructed over Tampa Bay
- 1953 - The first commercial airline flight arrives at the newly opened St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
- 1962 - The renowned Salvador Dali Museum opens in St. Petersburg
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage to the Gulf Coast, including Pinellas County