National Register Listing

US Post Office-Cortland

a.k.a. Cortland Post Office

88 Main St., Cortland, NY
Local significance of the building:
Art; 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.

art politics government architecture post office
The oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
New York random facts
Cortland County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area originally belonged to the indigenous Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy, who inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlement. However, it was not until the late 18th century that Europeans began to settle in what is now Cortland County.

In the late 1700s, New England pioneers migrated to the region, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity to establish farms. The town of Homer was founded in 1791 and became the first settlement in Cortland County. Other towns followed suit, such as Marathon, Cortlandville, and Virgil, as the population gradually increased.

The 19th century brought significant developments to the county. The construction of the Chenango Canal, which connected the Susquehanna River to the Erie Canal, provided an essential transportation route for goods and people. This sparked further economic growth and encouraged industrialization in the area. Several mills were established, including sawmills, gristmills, and textile mills, which contributed to the county's economy.

Cortland County also played a role in the abolitionist movement and the underground railroad. Many residents were active in the anti-slavery cause, and the county saw numerous fugitive slaves seeking freedom. The county's ties to the abolitionist movement continued during the Civil War, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army.

Today, Cortland County is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and educational institutions like SUNY Cortland. The county's history and heritage are preserved in its various museums and historical sites, offering visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cortland County, New York.

  • 1791 - Cortland County is created from part of Onondaga County.
  • 1808 - The Village of Cortland is incorporated.
  • 1823 - Cortland County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1848 - The first railroad reaches Cortland County.
  • 1865 - The State Normal School, now SUNY Cortland, is established.
  • 1860s - Cortland becomes an important center for manufacturing and commerce.
  • 1890s - The economy shifts to focus on agriculture, dairy farming, and tobacco production.
  • 1960s - Cortland County experiences significant growth and development.
  • 2000s - Emphasis on tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture.