National Register Listing

US Post Office-Madison Square Station

a.k.a. Madison Square Station

149--153 E. 23rd St., New York, 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.

post office
The Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
New York random facts
New York County, also known as Manhattan, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was first inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe before becoming a Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam in the early 17th century. In 1664, the British seized control of the area and renamed it New York after the Duke of York. Throughout the colonial era, New York grew in importance as a major trading hub.

Following the American Revolution, New York County flourished as the country expanded westward. It became a magnet for immigrants from around the world, with the iconic Statue of Liberty serving as a symbol of hope for those seeking a better life in America. The county saw rapid urbanization and the construction of skyscrapers, giving birth to the modern city we know today.

In the 20th century, New York County became the cultural, financial, and political center of the United States. The Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s brought a wave of African American art, music, and literature, showcasing the county's diversity. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded during World War II with a booming economy.

In recent years, New York County has continued to thrive as a global economic hub and a cultural melting pot. It has faced various challenges, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and the ongoing issues of income inequality and gentrification. However, New York County remains an iconic and vibrant destination, attracting millions of visitors each year and serving as a symbol of the American dream.

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

  • 1624 - The Dutch establish the colony of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan Island
  • 1664 - The English capture New Amsterdam and rename it New York
  • 1683 - New York County is established as one of the original 12 counties of New York
  • 1785 - The Commissioners' Plan of 1811 is implemented, laying out the street grid for most of Manhattan
  • 1790 - New York becomes the temporary capital of the United States
  • 1825 - Construction of the Erie Canal is completed, connecting New York City to the Great Lakes
  • 1898 - New York County is consolidated with the four other boroughs to form the City of Greater New York
  • 1904 - The first subway line in New York City opens, connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn
  • 1929 - The Wall Street Crash triggers the Great Depression
  • 1957 - The New York Yankees baseball team moves from the Bronx to Manhattan
  • 2001 - The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center devastate Lower Manhattan