National Register Listing

US Post Office-Dunkirk

a.k.a. Dunkirk Post Office

410 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of New York.
The first woman to vote in a United States presidential election was a resident of Rochester, New York named Susan B. Anthony. She cast her ballot in the 1872 election, for which she was arrested and fined.
New York random facts
Chautauqua County, located in western New York State, has a rich and colorful history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Erie people, a Native American tribe, until the 17th century when European settlers began to arrive. The region was officially formed as Chautauqua County in 1811, named after the beautiful Chautauqua Lake that lies within its borders.

In the early years, the county primarily relied on agriculture and timber industries for its economic growth. As the Erie Canal was completed in the 1820s, it opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, allowing the county to expand its reach. With the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, Chautauqua County's industries boomed, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of numerous towns and villages.

During the late 19th century, Chautauqua County became famous for its Chautauqua Institution, a center for education and cultural activities. The Chautauqua Institution attracted intellectuals, artists, and scholars from around the country, providing a platform for open discussions on various topics including politics, religion, and social issues. This institution played a significant role in the popularization of the Chautauqua Movement, a nationwide movement that aimed to promote lifelong learning and personal growth.

In the early 20th century, Chautauqua County's economy diversified further with the rise of manufacturing industries, such as furniture, textiles, and machinery. Many of these industries thrived until the mid-20th century, when economic changes and globalization led to a decline in manufacturing jobs. However, the county has since adapted and shifted towards a more service-based economy, including tourism, healthcare, and education.

Today, Chautauqua County continues to embrace its history while forging ahead in the modern world. The county's natural beauty, including its lakes, forests, and charming towns, attracts visitors year-round. It also remains an important cultural hub, hosting various festivals, museums, and art centers. Chautauqua County's blend of history, natural splendor, and contemporary amenities contribute to its unique character and make it a sought-after destination for residents and tourists alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chautauqua County, New York.

  • 1803: Chautauqua County is founded
  • 1811: First European settlers arrive in the area
  • 1818: The Village of Mayville is incorporated
  • 1821: The Village of Westfield is incorporated
  • 1836: The City of Jamestown is incorporated
  • 1851: The Chautauqua Institution is established
  • 1875: The Dunkirk and Fredonia Railroad is completed
  • 1878: The Village of Fredonia is incorporated
  • 1892: The Chautauqua Grape Belt Association is formed
  • 1898: The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce is established
  • 1901: The Celoron Amusement Park opens
  • 1923: Chautauqua Lake freezes over completely for the first time on record
  • 1953: The Chautauqua County Historical Society is founded
  • 1960: The Chautauqua County Airport is opened
  • 1973: The Chautauqua Institution is designated a National Historic Landmark
  • 1992: The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport is renamed the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport
  • 2006: The Chautauqua Rails to Trails project is completed
  • 2011: The National Comedy Center opens in Jamestown