United States Post Office
360 Main St., Metuchen Borough, NJ Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
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 submarine ride in the United States took place in New Jersey in 1898. The Holland VI, a prototype submarine designed by John Philip Holland, was tested in Passaic River.
In 1664, English settlers led by Sir George Carteret took control of the area, establishing the Province of New Jersey. The land was divided into various counties, and Middlesex County was officially created in 1683. The county was named after the historic county of Middlesex in England. Early settlements in the area included New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Woodbridge.
During the American Revolutionary War, Middlesex County played a significant role. Perth Amboy served as a strategic location for British troops, and General George Washington's army crossed the Raritan River in New Brunswick. The county was also home to important patriot leaders, such as John and William Livingston, who were instrumental in the fight for independence.
As the 19th century progressed, Middlesex County experienced rapid industrialization. The construction of canals and railroads facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of manufacturing and agriculture. The county became known for its textile mills, ironworks, and pottery factories. Immigrants from Europe, particularly Ireland and Germany, flocked to the area for job opportunities.
In the 20th century, Middlesex County continued to evolve and diversify. It became a hub for pharmaceutical companies, with major corporations setting up headquarters and research facilities in the county. The county also witnessed suburbanization, with the population spreading beyond the urban centers. Today, Middlesex County is a bustling and diverse region, known for its rich history, thriving economy, and vibrant communities.
Middlesex County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Middlesex County, New Jersey.
- 1675 - Middlesex County, NJ is established.
- 1746 - New Brunswick, the largest city in Middlesex County, is founded.
- 1766 - Rutgers University is chartered in New Brunswick.
- 1790 - Perth Amboy becomes the county seat of Middlesex County.
- 1836 - Piscataway Township is incorporated in Middlesex County.
- 1854 - Woodbridge Township is incorporated in Middlesex County.
- 1860 - South Plainfield is established as an independent borough in Middlesex County.
- 1869 - Edison Township is formed from portions of Woodbridge and Piscataway townships in Middlesex County.
- 1899 - Old Bridge Township is formed from parts of East Brunswick and South Amboy in Middlesex County.
- 1955 - East Brunswick becomes an independent township in Middlesex County.
- 1970 - Carteret becomes a borough in Middlesex County.
- 1981 - Monroe Township is established in Middlesex County.
- 1994 - Cranbury Township is formed from parts of South Brunswick and Monroe Township in Middlesex County.