National Register Listing

US Post Office-Wellsville

a.k.a. Wellsville Post Office

40 E. Pearl St., Wellsville, NY
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

art politics government architecture post office
The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City, was the site of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which are considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement.
New York random facts
Located in western New York, Allegany County has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Seneca Nation. European colonizers, such as French and British explorers, began to arrive in the 17th century to trade with the indigenous peoples.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the area underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of pioneers and settlers from the east. Allegany County was officially established in 1806 and named after the Allegheny River, which flows through much of the county. The construction of the Genesee Valley Canal in the 1830s further stimulated the region's economic growth, as it provided a vital transportation route for trade and commerce.

Allegany County played a role in the Underground Railroad during the mid-19th century, as abolitionists helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom through a network of secret routes and safe houses. The county also witnessed significant industrial development during this time, with the establishment of several manufacturing and mining operations.

In the following decades, Allegany County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the canal system and the impact of the Great Depression led to economic difficulties, but the county managed to adapt and diversify its economy. Today, Allegany County continues to be known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and outdoor recreational opportunities, while also preserving its historical heritage through various museums and landmarks.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Allegany County, New York.

  • 1806: Allegany County is established in New York State
  • 1821: Angelica becomes the county seat
  • Late 1800s: Discovery of oil leads to economic growth in the county
  • 1900s: Allegany County becomes known for its dairy farming and cheese production
  • 1950s: The construction of Interstate 86 improves transportation in the area
  • 1990s: Allegany County experiences a decline in population due to economic changes
  • Present: Allegany County continues to be a rural area with a strong focus on agriculture