National Register Listing

US Post Office-Herkimer

a.k.a. Herkimer Post Office

135 Park Ave., Herkimer, 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
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
Herkimer County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and the Oneida. European settlement in the region began in the late 1700s when English and German settlers arrived. The county was officially established in 1791 and was named after General Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Herkimer County experienced rapid growth and development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 brought economic prosperity to the region, with industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture thriving. The county also played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with the production of textiles, iron, and paper becoming major industries.

Herkimer County is known for its key role in the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of Oriskany, fought in 1777, was a pivotal moment in the war, leading to significant losses on both the American and British sides. The battle site, located in the county, is now a national historic landmark and attracts visitors interested in learning about this important chapter in American history.

In the present day, Herkimer County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping in its picturesque natural landscapes. The county is also home to several colleges and universities, contributing to a thriving educational sector. With its rich history, natural beauty, and continued growth, Herkimer County remains a unique and welcoming area in upstate New York.

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

  • 1791 - Herkimer County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1804 - The village of Herkimer is incorporated.
  • 1812-1814 - Herkimer County plays a role in the War of 1812.
  • 1834 - Utica and Schenectady Railroad is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1862-1865 - Many residents of Herkimer County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1906 - Construction of the Hinckley Dam is completed, creating the Hinckley Reservoir.
  • 1916 - The Herkimer County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1955 - The New York State Thruway is completed, providing easier access to the county.
  • 1998 - The Herkimer County Community College opens its doors.