U.S. Customhouse (Old Customhouse) and Post Office
a.k.a. Old Customhouse
Water St., Wiscasset, ME Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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 was once a major shipbuilding center: In the 19th century, Maine was one of the world's leading shipbuilding centers, producing thousands of wooden ships that sailed around the world. Many of the old shipyards can still be seen along the coast today.
During the colonial period, Lincoln County played a significant role in the struggles between English and French forces for control of North America. Pemaquid became a strategic trading and military outpost, changing hands several times between the English and the French, as well as being attacked by Native American tribes. The area was eventually abandoned in the late 18th century, following the American Revolutionary War.
The 19th century saw the rise of maritime industries in Lincoln County, particularly shipbuilding and fishing. Towns along the coast, such as Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, flourished as major centers of trade and commerce. Shipbuilders constructed sturdy vessels for trade and fishing, while the fishing industry thrived due to the abundance of marine resources. The region also became popular for its abundant lumber, which was used for shipbuilding and exported to other parts of the country.
In the 20th century, the economy of Lincoln County diversified with the growth of tourism and agriculture. The county's stunning coastline and picturesque towns became popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and lobstering, also remained important to the local economy. Today, Lincoln County continues to be a blend of traditional industries and modern amenities, offering visitors and residents a glimpse into its fascinating history while embracing the opportunities of the present.
Lincoln County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lincoln County, Maine.
- 1760: Lincoln County, Maine, is originally part of York County.
- 1760-1771: The area is settled by European immigrants.
- 1760s-1770s: Numerous conflicts arise between settlers and Native American tribes.
- 1760s-1770s: The townships of Lincoln County are established.
- 1777: Lincoln County is officially incorporated, named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln.
- 1809: The county seat is established in Wiscasset, Maine.
- 19th Century: Lincoln County experiences significant maritime growth, with shipbuilding and fishing becoming major industries.
- 1950s: The decline of the fishing and shipbuilding industries begins.
- 1970s-1990s: Lincoln County's economy shifts towards tourism and recreation.
- Present: Lincoln County continues to be a popular area for outdoor activities, attracting visitors and residents alike.