Old Post Office
Main St. (ME-173), Liberty, ME Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 has a unique musical tradition: Maine has a rich musical tradition that is influenced by its maritime heritage and French and Irish roots. Traditional Maine music includes fiddle tunes, sea shanties, and ballads, and there are many festivals and events celebrating Maine's musical heritage throughout the state.
In the early 17th century, English explorers and traders established contact with the Native communities along the coast of present-day Maine, and by the mid-1600s, European settlement began. The land that is now Waldo County was part of the expansive Plymouth Colony before it was later incorporated as part of Massachusetts.
During the American Revolution, the area around present-day Waldo County played a significant role. Supporting the ideals of independence, local militias actively fought against British forces and participated in several key battles and skirmishes. The town of Castine, located in present-day Waldo County, was actually occupied by the British for a period of time during the war.
In 1827, Waldo County was officially established and named after Samuel Waldo, a prominent landowner and colonial leader. The county's growth and development were largely influenced by the agriculture and maritime industries. Coastal towns like Belfast and Searsport became major centers for shipbuilding and shipping, contributing to the county's prosperity. The industrial revolution in the 19th century brought further economic growth and diversification to the area.
Today, Waldo County is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and strong sense of community. Its rich history can still be seen in the preserved historic buildings, museums, and cultural events that celebrate the region's past.
Waldo County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Waldo County, Maine.
- 1789: Waldo County is established as a county in the state of Maine.
- 1808: The county's first courthouse and jail are built in Castine, the original county seat.
- 1827: The county seat is moved from Castine to Belfast, where a new courthouse and jail are constructed.
- 1861-1865: Waldo County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1873: The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad is completed, connecting the county to the rest of Maine's railway network.
- 1874: The town of Swanville is incorporated in Waldo County.
- 1901: Unity College, a private college, is founded in Unity, Maine.
- 1937: The Penobscot Narrows Bridge, connecting Waldo County to Prospect, is completed.
- 1967: The Waldo-Hancock Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Penobscot River, is opened to traffic.
- 1989: The Waldo County Village of Heritage Park is established in Unity, showcasing historic buildings of the area.