U.S. Customhouse and Post Office
25 Front St., Bath, 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 the site of the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history: The worst maritime disaster in U.S. history occurred off the coast of Maine in 1914, when the passenger ship SS Eastland capsized, killing 844 people. The disaster was caused by overcrowding and instability due to design flaws.
In 1607, English explorer George Popham led an expedition to what is now modern-day Sagadahoc County, establishing the short-lived Popham Colony. The settlement, which included a fort and a small village, aimed to establish a permanent English presence in the New World. However, due to harsh winters, lack of resources, and the death of their leader, the colony was eventually abandoned after just over a year.
Throughout the 17th century, Sagadahoc County saw intermittent European settlement and conflict as the region became a contested area between the English and the French. The area played a crucial role in the Anglo-French rivalry and witnessed multiple instances of military engagements, including the well-known Battle of Falmouth in 1689 during King William's War.
In the 19th century, Sagadahoc County experienced significant economic growth due to the rise of shipbuilding and maritime industries. Towns like Bath became renowned for their shipyards, producing many notable vessels during this period. The county's strategic location near the coast and its access to numerous rivers contributed to its prominence in the shipbuilding industry.
Today, Sagadahoc County remains a vibrant community with a population that cherishes its historical heritage. The area is home to numerous historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the rich history of the county, making it an attractive destination for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Sagadahoc County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sagadahoc County, Maine.
- Sagadahoc County was established on February 14, 1854.
- In 1861, the first railroad was built in the county, connecting Bath and Brunswick.
- In 1890, the Kennebec Bridge, also known as the Bath Iron Works Bridge, spanning the Kennebec River, was opened to the public.
- During the early 20th century, Bath became known as a major shipbuilding center.
- In 1931, the Bath Veterans Memorial Bridge was completed, replacing the earlier bridge over the Kennebec River.
- In 1954, the Brunswick Naval Air Station was established, becoming an important military base.
- The Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilding company, received numerous contracts during the 20th and 21st centuries, contributing to the county's economy.
- In recent years, Sagadahoc County has focused on expanding its tourism industry, taking advantage of its waterfront locations and historical sites.