National Register Listing

US Post Office-Johnstown

a.k.a. Johnstown Post Office

14 N. William St., Johnstown, NY
Local significance of the building:
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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of New York.
The first recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.
New York random facts
Fulton County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to before the colonial era. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mohawk and Mohican tribes, European settlement began in the early 18th century. The area became part of the Mohawk nation's territory, but tensions between indigenous peoples and European settlers increased in the following decades.

During the American Revolution, Fulton County played a significant role. The Battle of Johnstown in 1781 was a crucial turning point in the war, as it saw an American victory over British forces, securing the region for the colonists. After the war, the area experienced rapid growth and development. Iron and lumber industries thrived, and the Erie Canal's completion in 1825 further bolstered economic growth and trade.

Throughout the 19th century, Fulton County continued to flourish as its agricultural, manufacturing, and transportation sectors expanded. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s connected Fulton County to larger markets, driving further industrialization. However, like many regions in the United States, Fulton County faced economic challenges during the Great Depression, which led to the closure of factories and a decline in population.

In recent years, Fulton County has focused on revitalizing its economy and attracting new businesses. Efforts have been made to promote tourism, particularly in the historic city of Johnstown, where visitors can explore landmarks related to the American Revolution era. Today, Fulton County offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, providing a diverse and vibrant community for its residents.

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

  • 1772 - Fulton County is established as Tryon County, named after Governor William Tryon.
  • 1788 - Tryon County is divided into two separate counties: Montgomery County and Otsego County.
  • 1803 - A portion of Montgomery County is annexed to create Hamilton County.
  • 1838 - The northern part of Montgomery County is separated to form Fulton County, named after inventor Robert Fulton.
  • 1906 - The city of Gloversville is incorporated within Fulton County.
  • 1910 - The city of Johnstown is incorporated within Fulton County.
  • 1970 - The county government is relocated to a new facility in Johnstown.