National Register Listing

US Post Office-Rockville Centre

a.k.a. Rockville Centre Post Office

250 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre, 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 first woman to vote in a United States presidential election was a resident of Rochester, New York named Susan B. Anthony. She cast her ballot in the 1872 election, for which she was arrested and fined.
New York random facts
Nassau County, located on Long Island, New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Lenape tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with Europeans. In the 17th century, Dutch and English settlers established farms and villages on the island, including Hempstead and Oyster Bay, which are among the oldest English-speaking settlements in the United States.

During the American Revolutionary War, Nassau County played a significant role. British troops occupied Long Island, and the Battle of Long Island, fought in 1776, resulted in a decisive British victory. The county's proximity to New York City made it a strategically important location and it served as a base for British forces throughout the conflict. However, after the war, the region experienced significant growth and development, with new towns and settlements established.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Nassau County became a popular destination for wealthy New York City residents seeking summer retreats. The construction of the Long Island Rail Road in the 1830s made the area more accessible, leading to the establishment of luxurious mansions and resorts, particularly along the Gold Coast. This era of opulence and extravagance was immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby."

Following World War II, Nassau County experienced rapid suburbanization. Affordable housing, improved transportation infrastructure, and the post-war economic boom attracted large numbers of families to the area. With the construction of highways and the expansion of suburban developments, Nassau County transformed into a growing residential and commercial hub.

Today, Nassau County remains a thriving and diverse region, with a mix of suburban neighborhoods, bustling commercial centers, and vibrant cultural attractions. It continues to be an attractive destination for residents, tourists, and businesses alike, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

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

  • 1643 - Dutch colonists settle in present-day Nassau County.
  • 1664 - English takes control from the Dutch.
  • 1784 - The Town of North Hempstead is established.
  • 1806 - The Town of Oyster Bay is incorporated.
  • 1859 - Long Island Rail Road is extended to east of Brooklyn, opening up Nassau County.
  • 1899 - Nassau County is officially formed.
  • 1922 - Levittown, the first true suburb of Nassau County, is developed.
  • 1947 - Post-World War II suburban development booms in Nassau County.
  • 1999 - Nassau Coliseum is opened.