US Post Office-Fulton
a.k.a. Fulton Post Office
214 S. First St., Fulton, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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.
In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. He was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition.
The arrival of Europeans in the 17th century brought significant changes to the area. French explorers were the first to discover the region, followed by Dutch and English settlers. The site where the city of Oswego now stands became an important trading post, attracting fur traders and leading to the establishment of Fort Oswego in 1727. The fort played a crucial role in the French and Indian War, as well as the American Revolution.
During the early 19th century, the construction of the Erie Canal brought economic prosperity to Oswego County. The canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, making Oswego a vital transportation hub for goods and people. The development of the canal also fueled the growth of industry in the county, particularly in the city of Oswego, which became a major center for shipping, manufacturing, and commerce.
In the 20th century, Oswego County's economy shifted towards manufacturing, particularly in the steel and automotive industries. The construction of power plants along the Oswego River, including the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant, brought new job opportunities and bolstered the county's energy sector. Today, Oswego County continues to thrive as a center for tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy production, with attractions like the Oswego Harborfest and the Salmon River Fishing Derby drawing visitors from near and far.
Oswego County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Oswego County, New York.
- 1792: Oswego County is established as one of the original counties in New York State.
- 1796: The city of Oswego is incorporated, becoming an important port on Lake Ontario.
- 1816: The construction of the Oswego Canal begins, connecting the city of Oswego to the Erie Canal.
- 1828: The city of Fulton is incorporated, becoming a center for manufacturing and commerce.
- 1836: The town of Pulaski is formed, named after the Polish general Casimir Pulaski.
- 1850: The city of Phoenix is incorporated, known for its involvement in the salt industry.
- 1861: Oswego County supports the Union during the American Civil War.
- 1902: The city of Oswego experiences a major fire that destroys a significant portion of the downtown area.
- 1950s: The St. Lawrence Seaway opens, providing access to the Great Lakes and boosting trade in Oswego County.
- 1998: The county celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
- 2010: The county experiences population growth, driven by economic development activities.