Pompton Lakes Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
New Jersey is known as the "Diner Capital of the World," with more diners per capita than any other state. The state is also famous for its pork roll, a type of breakfast meat that is popular in the region.
The European colonization of the region began in the 17th century when Dutch and English settlers arrived in search of land and trade opportunities. In 1678, the Dutch West India Company obtained nearly all of present-day Passaic County from the Lenape tribes in a land purchase known as the New Barbadoes Tract. The area quickly developed as farmers settled in the fertile valleys, establishing towns and villages.
The Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century brought significant changes to Passaic County. The abundant water power provided by the Passaic River and its tributaries attracted industries such as textile mills, ironworks, and locomotive manufacturing. Cities like Paterson, known as the "Silk City," became centers of industrial production and attracted a wave of immigrant workers from around the world.
Throughout the 20th century, Passaic County continued to grow and evolve. It witnessed significant social and cultural transformations, with the arrival of new immigrant groups and the development of diverse communities. The county also played a role in important historical events, such as the labor movements of the early 1900s and the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.
Today, Passaic County is a vibrant and diverse region, with a mix of urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and natural landscapes. It is home to a range of industries, educational institutions, and cultural amenities. The county's rich history is evident in its historic sites, museums, and landmarks, reminding visitors and residents alike of the region's past and its contributions to New Jersey's history.
Passaic County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Passaic County, New Jersey.
- 1694 - Passaic County officially established as a county in the Province of East Jersey.
- 1751 - The first courthouse is constructed in Acquackanonk, which is now known as Passaic.
- 1782 - The Great Falls of the Passaic River are harnessed to power Paterson's industrial growth.
- 1791 - The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (SUM) is formed, leading to the development of the city of Paterson.
- 1837 - The railroads reach Paterson, stimulating further industrialization and growth.
- 1861-1865 - Passaic County plays a prominent role in supplying troops and munitions during the American Civil War.
- 1871 - The city of Passaic is established as a separate municipality within the county.
- 1917 - The United States enters World War I, leading to increased industrial production in Passaic County.
- 1926 - The town of West Milford secedes from Passaic County to become part of Passaic County.
- 1957 - The Garden State Parkway opens, providing increased access and transportation options for Passaic County residents.
- 1971 - The Passaic County Community College is established to provide affordable higher education opportunities to residents.
- 1992 - The Paterson Museum is designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in preserving the industrial history of the region.
- 2005 - The city of Paterson celebrates its 200th anniversary.