Platte Clove Post Office, Old
2340 Platte Clove Rd., Elka Park, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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-ever recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey, but the modern rules of the game were established in New York City in 1845 by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club.
In 1800, Greene County was officially established, named after General Nathanael Greene, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The region flourished economically, as it was situated along the Hudson River and easily accessible to trade routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 19th century further boosted the county's growth, connecting it to the Great Lakes and opening up avenues for transportation and commerce.
Throughout the 1800s, various industries thrived in Greene County, including flour mills, sawmills, and tanneries. The towns of Catskill and Cairo became major centers of trade and manufacturing. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled economic development and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.
In the early 20th century, the tourism industry began to emerge as visitors flocked to the region to enjoy its natural beauty, including the Catskill Mountains and numerous lakes and rivers. Resorts and hotels were built, attracting vacationers from New York City and other urban areas. Today, Greene County continues to be a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, with a strong focus on eco-tourism and preserving its natural resources.
Overall, Greene County's history is characterized by its early settlement, industrial growth, and later transition into a tourist destination. It serves as a testament to the diverse and evolving nature of the region and its ability to adapt to changing economic trends.
Greene County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Greene County, New York.
- 1600s: The area that is now Greene County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Mohican and Lenape.
- 1609: Explorer Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River and made contact with the Native American tribes in the region.
- 1683: Greene County was part of Albany County, one of the original twelve counties of New York.
- 1788: The state of New York was divided into counties, and Greene County was officially established.
- 1800s: The construction of the Erie Canal brought economic growth and increased trade opportunities to Greene County.
- 1826: The town of Catskill became the county seat of Greene County.
- 1900s: Tourism became an important industry in Greene County due to its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Catskill Mountains.
- 1969: The Woodstock Music Festival was held in Bethel, Sullivan County, which attracted thousands of attendees from across the country, including Greene County.
- Today, Greene County is known for its beautiful natural scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and charming small towns.