National Register Listing

US Post Office-Ticonderoga

a.k.a. Ticonderoga Post Office

123 Champlain Ave., Ticonderoga, 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
Audiobooks about the history of New York.
The Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
New York random facts
Essex County, located in northeastern New York, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Iroquoian-speaking Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and Abenaki peoples. These tribes utilized the dense forests for hunting, fishing, and gathering resources.

The arrival of European settlers in the 17th century brought significant changes to Essex County. French explorers, including Samuel de Champlain, extensively mapped the region and established fur trading posts. However, the area eventually fell under British control, leading to conflicts between the British and French during the French and Indian War.

During the American Revolution, Essex County played a significant role. The region was strategically important due to its proximity to Lake Champlain, a major waterway connecting New York and Canada. The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the war, took place just south of the county's borders in 1777. Essex County residents actively participated in the conflict, with some joining the militias and others supporting the cause through supplies and provisions.

In the 19th century, the county experienced a boom in industrialization. The expansion of transportation networks, such as the Champlain Canal and the railroad, facilitated the growth of industries like lumbering, mining, and iron production. The Iron Center in Essex County, particularly in the town of Mineville, became a leading center for iron mining and the production of iron ore. However, the decline of these industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left the county facing economic challenges.

Today, Essex County is known for its stunning natural environment, including the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Champlain, and numerous hiking and skiing trails. It continues to attract visitors for outdoor recreational activities and is home to charming towns and villages that showcase the region's rich history.

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

  • 1615: Dutch explorer Adriaen Block is the first European to explore the region.
  • 1664: Essex County becomes part of the Province of New York after the English capture New Netherland.
  • 1777: The Battle of Saratoga takes place, a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War, with some action in Essex County.
  • 1785: Essex County is established as one of the original counties of the State of New York.
  • 1822: The first settlement in the Adirondacks is established in Essex County by Pliny Moore.
  • 1849: Iron ore mining becomes a major industry in the region, leading to rapid growth in Essex County.
  • 1892: Lake Placid Club, a popular vacation destination and site of 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, is established.
  • 1901: The Adirondack Park is created, encompassing a large portion of Essex County.
  • 1932: Lake Placid hosts the Winter Olympics, bringing international attention to Essex County.
  • 1980: Lake Placid hosts the Winter Olympics for the second time, making it the only town in the United States to host the event twice.
  • Present: Essex County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical significance.