National Register Listing

US Post Office-Geneva

a.k.a. Geneva Post Office

67 Castle St., Geneva, 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 Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
New York random facts
Ontario County, located in the western region of the state of New York, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga. European settlement began in the late 18th century when pioneers, mainly from New England, started to establish farms and communities in the area.

In 1789, Ontario County was officially founded, named after Lake Ontario which borders its northern edge. The county's first seat was located in Canandaigua, a thriving town that quickly became a center of trade and commerce in the region. During the early 19th century, Canandaigua gained prominence as the county seat and attracted many influential figures, including political leaders and social reformers.

The region played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Susan B. Anthony, a prominent suffragist, resided in Ontario County for several years and organized influential suffrage conventions in the area. Canandaigua was also home to the Ontario County Courthouse, where the famous trial of Susan B. Anthony took place in 1873, resulting in her conviction for voting illegally.

Ontario County has experienced growth and development throughout the 20th century and into the present day. The area's diverse economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Today, the county is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and attractions such as the Finger Lakes wine region, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ontario County, New York.

  • 1789 - Ontario County is established as one of the original counties in New York State.
  • 1790 - The first permanent settlement is established in Canandaigua, the current county seat.
  • 1794 - Ontario County Courthouse is built in Canandaigua.
  • 1802 - Rochester becomes part of Ontario County.
  • 1821 - Monroe County is created, separating from Ontario County.
  • 1823 - Yates County is created, further reducing the size of Ontario County.
  • 1840s - The railroad arrives in Ontario County, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1874 - Ontario County Courthouse burns down and is later rebuilt.
  • 1900s - Ontario County becomes known for its agricultural production, particularly grape growing and winemaking.