US Post Office-Jamaica Main
a.k.a. Jamaica Main Post Office
88-40 164th St., New York, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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.
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.
During the Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role. Some famous battles, such as the Battle of Long Island, took place in Queens. The war left its mark on the county, with many historical sites and landmarks still present today, including the Old Quaker Meeting House and the Jamaica Pass Battlefield.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Queens County experienced significant growth and development. The building of the Long Island Rail Road in the mid-1800s brought increased transportation and commerce to the area. Immigrants from various countries, such as Ireland, Germany, Italy, and more recently, from Asian and Latin American countries, settled in Queens, contributing to its cultural diversity.
In 1898, Queens became one of the five boroughs of New York City, along with Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. This incorporation into the city led to further infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of bridges and highways. Today, Queens has become a bustling borough with vibrant neighborhoods, renowned cultural institutions like the Museum of Modern Art PS1, and one of the major international gateways in the United States, JFK Airport.
Queens County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Queens County, New York.
- 1683 - Queens County is established as one of the original twelve counties in the Province of New York.
- 1784 - Queens County loses a portion of its territory to form Nassau County.
- 1898 - Queens County becomes a borough of New York City as part of the consolidation of the city's five boroughs.
- 1939 - The World's Fair is held in Queens, bringing international attention to the borough.
- 1964 - Another World's Fair takes place in Queens, showcasing technological advancements and cultural exhibits.
- 1970 - The New York City Subway's Flushing-Main Street station is opened, connecting Queens to the rest of the city.
- 2012 - Superstorm Sandy causes significant damage to parts of Queens, particularly coastal areas.