US Post Office-Easthampton Main
a.k.a. Easthampton Main Post Office
19 Union St., Easthampton, MA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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 first public park in America, Boston Common, was established in 1634.
During the 18th century, Hampshire County became an important center for agriculture and industry. The fertile Connecticut River Valley allowed for the cultivation of crops such as wheat and tobacco, while mills and factories sprang up along the riverbanks to harness water power. The town of Northampton, in particular, became a hub of activity with its bustling marketplaces and thriving trade.
The 19th century brought significant social and cultural changes to Hampshire County. It became a center for abolitionist activity, with influential figures such as Sojourner Truth and David Ruggles advocating for the end of slavery. The area also gained prominence in the fields of education and the arts, with the establishment of prestigious institutions like Amherst College and Mount Holyoke College.
In the 20th century, Hampshire County continued to evolve as an intellectual and cultural hub. The town of Amherst became renowned for its connection to the literary giants of the time, including Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost. The county also played a key role in the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, with Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst attracting students seeking alternative forms of education.
Today, Hampshire County maintains its reputation as a vibrant and progressive area, known for its beautiful landscapes, top-notch educational institutions, and rich cultural heritage.
Hampshire County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
- 1662: Hampshire County established as one of three original counties in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1665: Northampton becomes the county seat.
- 1761: Amherst is incorporated as a separate town.
- 1774: Mount Tom in Holyoke witnesses Shay's Rebellion, a major uprising against perceived economic and civil rights injustices.
- 1821: The Hampshire and Hampden Canal is completed, connecting Northampton to the Connecticut River.
- 1851: Hampshire County's first railroad, the Northampton and Springfield Railroad, commences operations.
- 1861-1865: Hampshire County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1879: Smith College is founded in Northampton as a private, liberal arts college exclusively for women.
- 1938: The Great New England Hurricane, one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, causes significant damage in Hampshire County.
- 1974: Hampshire County Courthouse in Northampton is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2004: Hampshire County experiences a devastating flood caused by heavy rain from a tropical storm.