US Post Office-Presque Isle Main
a.k.a. Presque Isle Main Post Office
23 Second St., Presque Isle, ME 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.
Maine played an important role in the Underground Railroad: Maine was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, which was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North.
European colonization began in the late 18th century when European-American settlers arrived in the area. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 confirmed the region as part of the United States, and American settlers began to establish permanent communities. The fertile soils and vast expanses of land in Aroostook County made it ideal for agriculture, and farming quickly became a primary industry in the area.
In the mid-19th century, Aroostook County experienced a period known as the Aroostook War or the Bloodless War. The conflict arose due to boundary disputes between the United States and Canada, which wanted to claim the region. Although no blood was shed, tensions ran high, and the resolution of the dispute through diplomatic negotiations solidified the current border between the two countries.
Throughout the 20th century, Aroostook County's economy diversified beyond agriculture. Forestry, manufacturing, and tourism became important industries. The county is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including numerous lakes, rivers, and mountains, which attract visitors from around the world. Today, Aroostook County remains an important agricultural region, producing potatoes, blueberries, and other crops, while also embracing its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Aroostook County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Aroostook County, Maine.
- 1784: Aroostook County was part of the British colony of New Brunswick until the Treaty of Paris transferred it to the United States.
- 1807: The military road in Aroostook County was built, connecting Bangor to Houlton.
- 1839: The Webster-Ashburton Treaty officially established the border between the United States and Canada, securing the boundary of Aroostook County.
- 1840s: Settlement in Aroostook County increased with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants, attracted by the fertile land.
- 1839-1842: The Aroostook War, a boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, resulted in a peaceful resolution and reinforced US jurisdiction over Aroostook County.
- 1895: The last major Aroostook War event, known as the Pig War, took place when Canadian settlers and American farmers clashed over the Pig War Bridge.
- 20th century: Agriculture, logging, and the development of potato farming became the main industries in Aroostook County.
- 1976: The 5th Maine Regiment of Volunteers Memorial, honoring the Civil War regiment from Aroostook County, was dedicated.