Historical Marker

Le Roy Post Office

Historical marker location:
2 Main Street, LeRoy, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 5) and Mill Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2017

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of New York.
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
Genesee County, located in western New York State, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was officially established in 1802 and named after the Genesee River, which flows through the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation.

In the early years of settlement, Genesee County developed rapidly due to its fertile land, abundant water resources, and access to transportation routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s greatly facilitated trade and contributed to the county's prosperity. As a result, agriculture became the dominant industry, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats being cultivated.

During the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced a period of economic growth and urbanization. The county's largest city, Batavia, became a center for manufacturing and trade. Industries such as textiles, ironworks, and brewing flourished. Additionally, the county became an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genesee County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and technological advancements. Agriculture became more mechanized, leading to a decline in the number of small farms. Manufacturing and other industries diversified, with companies like Massey-Ferguson and Doehler-Jarvis establishing operations in the county. Today, Genesee County continues to be a vibrant community, known for its agriculture, recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks that reflect its rich history.

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

  • 1687 - Genesee County was part of the territory of the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • 1802 - The Holland Land Company purchased the land from the Native Americans.
  • 1803 - First settlement was established in the area by Joseph Ellicott.
  • 1806 - Genesee County was created from parts of Ontario County.
  • 1812-1815 - Genesee County played a significant role in the War of 1812.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal was completed, bringing economic growth to the region.
  • 1836 - A section of Genesee County was used to create Wyoming County.
  • 1866 - The county seat was moved from Batavia to its current location in the City of Batavia.
  • 1900s - Genesee County became an important agricultural center, known for dairy farming.
  • 1956 - Construction of the New York State Thruway was completed, running through Genesee County.
  • Present - Genesee County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.