US Post Office-Walton
a.k.a. Walton Post Office
34--36 Gardner Pl., Walton, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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 American chess tournament was held in New York City in 1843, and it was won by a 21-year-old named Paul Morphy.
During the American Revolution, Delaware County played a significant role as both a home to loyalist sympathizers and a hotbed of patriot activity. The region experienced military clashes and acts of rebellion, such as the Battle of Andes, which took place in 1778. After the revolution, Delaware County boomed economically, with industries like logging, tanning, and dairy farming driving growth in the 19th century.
The mid-19th century brought significant changes to Delaware County, particularly with the construction of the Erie Railroad in the 1840s. This new transportation infrastructure opened up the region for trade and development, leading to the growth of towns like Walton, Margaretville, and Andes. The railroad also brought an influx of tourists and summer residents, attracted by the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains and the Delaware River.
In the 20th century, Delaware County experienced both challenges and opportunities. The decline of traditional industries like farming and logging led to an economic downturn, but the county has seen a resurgence in recent years. Today, Delaware County is known for its vibrant arts scene, natural landscapes, and a mix of small towns and rural communities that offer a rich cultural heritage for residents and visitors alike.
Delaware County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Delaware County, New York.
- 1673 - Dutch explorers arrive and claim the territory for the Netherlands.
- 1682 - The land is transferred to the English as part of the Duke of York's proprietary colony.
- 1797 - Delaware County is established as one of the original counties of the state of New York.
- 1809 - The construction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal begins, bringing economic growth to the region.
- 1827 - The village of Delhi is incorporated as the county seat.
- 1883 - The Delaware and Northern Railroad is completed, providing a new transportation route.
- 1920 - The Prohibition era begins, leading to the rise of illegal alcohol production in the region.
- 1969 - The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is founded, promoting environmental preservation.
- 1997 - The New York City Watershed Agreement is signed, aiming to protect the water quality of the region.
- 2005 - The Delaware County Historical Association is established to preserve and promote local history.