US Post Office-Lancaster Main
a.k.a. Lancaster Main Post Office
120 Main St., Lancaster, NH 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 permanent settlement in New Hampshire was established in 1623 by English fisherman and traders.
The settlement of Coos County began to take shape with the arrival of Colonel John Goffe in 1770. Goffe played a crucial role in attracting settlers to the area and developing early infrastructure. In 1803, Coos County was officially established, encompassing a vast and sparsely populated territory.
During the 19th century, the logging industry became vital to the region's economy. The vast forests of Coos County provided an abundance of timber, which was in high demand for construction and manufacturing throughout New England. This led to the establishment of several towns, such as Berlin and Gorham, as logging centers.
In the 20th century, Coos County went through significant changes. The decline of the logging industry and the rise of mechanization led to economic challenges for the region. However, Coos County also benefited from the creation of the White Mountain National Forest, which attracted tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to the area, supporting the growth of the tourism industry.
Today, Coos County remains a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a resilient community. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the majestic White Mountains and the scenic Connecticut River. The county continues to value its natural resources, while also adapting to modern industries such as renewable energy and tourism, making it a unique and important part of New Hampshire's history and economy.
Coos County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Coos County, New Hampshire.
- 1760: Coos County is established by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth.
- 1772: Town of Lancaster is incorporated, becoming the first town in Coos County.
- 1805: The Northern Boundary of New Hampshire is officially declared, which includes Coos County.
- 1824: Berlin is established as a separate town within Coos County.
- 1840: Coos County's population reaches over 7,000 people.
- 1853: Coos County's area is expanded due to the annexation of Carroll County's unincorporated area.
- 1861: Woodsville becomes an incorporated village in Haverhill, Coos County.
- 1876: The Mount Washington Cog Railway opens, providing access to the summit of Mount Washington in Coos County.
- 1895: The town of Pittsburg is incorporated as the northernmost town in New Hampshire.
- 1917: The Weeks Act is passed, allowing the federal government to purchase land for the White Mountain National Forest in Coos County.
- 1947: The Treaty of Portsmouth is signed in Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War negotiations that were held in Coos County.
- 1962: The Cog Railway in Coos County is designated a National Historic Engineering Landmark.