Post Office Building, Upper Montclair
a.k.a. Gumersall Building
242--244 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 Battle of Monmouth, which was fought in New Jersey during the American Revolutionary War on June 28, 1778, was one of the largest battles of the war, involving more than 25,000 troops.
During the American Revolution, Essex County played a significant role. The Battle of Connecticut Farms took place in present-day Union, one of the municipalities within Essex County, where American forces successfully defended against British attacks in 1780. The county was also home to other prominent Revolutionary War events, such as the construction of forts to protect the region.
In the 19th century, Essex County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. The advent of the railroad and the burgeoning textile industry brought prosperity to cities like Newark and East Orange. The county became a center of manufacturing and commerce, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe. This diversity contributed to the cultural richness that still characterizes the area today.
In the 20th century, Essex County faced many challenges as urban decay and economic decline gripped the region. However, efforts to revitalize the county have been ongoing, with extensive redevelopment projects, urban renewal initiatives, and the improvement of transportation infrastructure. Today, Essex County is a vibrant and culturally diverse community that is home to a variety of industries, educational institutions, and recreational opportunities, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.
Essex County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Essex County, New Jersey.
- 1666: Essex County, NJ is founded as one of the original four counties in East Jersey.
- 1682: Newark is established as the county seat.
- 1739: The first courthouse in Newark is built.
- 1776-1782: Essex County experiences significant Revolutionary War activity, including the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Burning of Springfield.
- 1837: The Morris and Essex Railroad is completed, connecting Essex County to New York City.
- 1862: Princeton Theological Seminary relocates to East Orange, bringing educational and cultural influence.
- 1895: The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest cathedrals in the United States, is completed in Newark.
- 1920s: Essex County becomes a hub of roaring industrial activity, with growth in manufacturing and commerce.
- 1930: The Art Deco-style Newark City Hall is constructed.
- 1967: The Newark riots, a period of civil unrest, occur in response to long-standing racial tensions.
- 1999: The iconic Prudential Center, an arena and multi-purpose venue, opens in Newark.