National Register Listing

Belcoville Post Office

a.k.a. Belcoville School; Roland Marsh Center

1201 Madden Ave. (Weymouth Township), Belcoville, NJ
Local significance of the building:
Military; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 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.

post office
New Jersey played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North. Many abolitionists in New Jersey helped fugitive slaves, including Harriet Tubman, who is known to have traveled through the state.
New Jersey random facts
Atlantic County, located in the southeastern part of New Jersey, has a rich history that stretches back to precolonial times. The land that is now Atlantic County was originally home to the Lenape Native American tribe, who had an established society based on fishing, hunting, and agriculture. European settlers began arriving in the area in the 17th century, with English, Dutch, and Swedish colonizers trading with the Lenape for furs and other resources.

In 1694, Atlantic County was officially established as a part of Gloucester County. However, it wasn't until 1837 that the county was formally organized and separated from Gloucester County. The name "Atlantic" was chosen due to the region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The county saw rapid growth and development in the 19th century, thanks to improvements in transportation, especially the construction of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Atlantic County experienced a boom in population and tourism. The seaside resorts of Atlantic City and Margate became popular destinations, attracting wealthy vacationers from cities like Philadelphia and New York. Atlantic City became particularly famous for its boardwalk and casino industry, establishing its reputation as the "Las Vegas of the East."

However, the county also faced challenges in the 20th century. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Atlantic City hard, leading to a decline in tourism and economic instability. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize the county, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond tourism and casinos. Atlantic County continues to be an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while also preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Atlantic County, New Jersey.

  • 1673 - The land that would later become Atlantic County is discovered and explored by English settlers.
  • 1837 - Atlantic County is officially established as a county in the state of New Jersey.
  • 1854 - The City of Atlantic City is incorporated as a separate municipality within Atlantic County.
  • 1870 - The first railroad reaches Atlantic City, spurring a period of growth and development.
  • 1884 - The famous Boardwalk is constructed in Atlantic City, becoming a popular attraction.
  • 1920s - Atlantic City experiences a period of prosperity and becomes a popular tourist destination.
  • 1944 - The first legal casino opens in Atlantic City, marking the beginning of the city's casino industry.
  • 1976 - Gambling is legalized in New Jersey, leading to a boom in casino construction in Atlantic City.
  • 1989 - The Showboat Casino Hotel becomes the first casino to open a hotel tower in Atlantic City.
  • 2013 - The Revel Casino Hotel opens and closes within a year, reflecting the decline of Atlantic City's casino industry.
  • 2015 - Atlantic City files for bankruptcy, facing financial troubles and declining revenues.