National Register Listing

US Post Office-Akron

a.k.a. Akron Post Office

118 Main St., Akron, 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
Audiobooks about the history of New York.
In 1945, the United Nations was established in New York City, and its headquarters is located on a 17-acre site on the east side of Manhattan overlooking the East River.
New York random facts
Erie County, located in western New York state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, primarily the Seneca Nation of Indians. In the 17th century, European explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived, with the French establishing a brief presence in the region. However, after the French and Indian War, control over the area shifted to the British.

In the late 18th century, following the American Revolution, the region that is now Erie County became part of the newly formed United States. The area experienced significant growth and development in the early 19th century, with the construction of the Erie Canal, a transformative project connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, passing through the county. This led to the expansion of trade and commerce and attracted settlers from various parts of the country.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Erie County continued to thrive, becoming a center for industry and innovation. Buffalo, the county's largest city and the second-largest city in New York, played a crucial role in the development of transportation and manufacturing. It was a major hub for the Great Lakes shipping industry and became known as the "Queen City of the Great Lakes." The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of schools, libraries, and cultural institutions.

In recent decades, Erie County has faced economic challenges due to deindustrialization and changes in the global economy. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote revitalization. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as Niagara Falls and the Buffalo waterfront. It is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as several universities and research institutions. Erie County continues to evolve, embracing its rich history while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1679 - French explorer Robert de La Salle claims the area for France
  • 1758 - British forces capture the area during the French and Indian War
  • 1784 - The Sullivan Expedition destroys Native American villages in the area
  • 1800 - The Holland Land Company purchases the land from the Seneca Nation
  • 1810 - Buffalo becomes the first town in Erie County
  • 1812-1814 - Erie County sees battles during the War of 1812
  • 1821 - Erie County is officially established
  • 1825 - Completion of the Erie Canal boosts the county's economy
  • 1848 - Construction of the Buffalo and New York City Railroad begins
  • 1851 - Buffalo's population exceeds 42,000 people
  • 1872 - The Buffalo Zoo opens, becoming the third oldest zoo in the country
  • 1884 - Construction of the Erie County Hall is completed
  • 1901 - President William McKinley is assassinated in Buffalo
  • 1938 - The opening of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport
  • 1956 - Construction of the Niagara Thruway is completed
  • 1964-1965 - Buffalo hosts the World's Fair, known as Expo '64
  • 1970 - The construction of the Buffalo Metro Rail system begins
  • 1984 - The Buffalo Bills reach their first Super Bowl
  • 2006 - The implementation of the Buffalo-Niagara Riverkeeper organization