National Register Listing

US Post Office-Middleburgh

a.k.a. Middleburgh Post Office

162 Main St., Middleburgh, 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 Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
New York random facts
Schoharie County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and varied history that stretches back centuries. Native American tribes, including the Mohawk and Mohican, inhabited the region before European settlement. In 1712, a group of Palatine Germans arrived in Schoharie Valley, seeking refuge from political and religious turmoil in Europe. They established settlements and helped shape the future of the county.

During the American Revolutionary War, Schoharie County played a significant role. The area was strategically important due to its agricultural abundance. The British sought to disrupt the local food supply, leading to a series of fierce engagements known as the Schoharie Campaign. Despite destructive raids by British-aligned forces, the settlers managed to defend their homes and farms.

In the 19th century, Schoharie County experienced significant growth and development. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county's fertile soil contributed to the growth of agriculture, including dairy farming and apple orchards. The construction of railroads further improved connections to other parts of the state.

In the 20th century, Schoharie County faced challenges and changes. The Great Depression impacted the local economy, but efforts to diversify industries, such as tourism and manufacturing, helped mitigate the effects. The county also saw population shifts as younger generations moved to urban areas for better opportunities. Today, Schoharie County continues to thrive as a rural community, preserving its historical charm while adapting to modern needs.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Schoharie County, New York.

  • 1609 - Henry Hudson explores the area, including what is now Schoharie County, during his exploration of the Hudson River.
  • Mid-1600s - Dutch settlers begin to establish farms and settlements in the Schoharie Valley.
  • 1713 - Schoharie becomes the official name for the area, derived from the Mohawk word "eskahr," meaning driftwood.
  • 1755 - During the French and Indian War, the Schoharie Valley is targeted by Native American allies of the French, resulting in the construction of fortified German Palatine settlements.
  • 1776 - Schoharie County is established as part of Albany County, amidst the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1795 - Schoharie County becomes its own separate county in New York State.
  • 1800-1850 - The construction of the Erie Canal brings economic growth to Schoharie County, as it becomes a key transportation route.
  • Mid-1800s - The Schoharie County Fair is established, becoming an annual event celebrating agriculture and local traditions.
  • Late 1800s - Schoharie County experiences an agricultural boom with the introduction of dairy farming and increased production of hops.
  • Early 1900s - The decline of hops production and the effects of the Great Depression affect the county's economy.
  • Mid-1900s - Schoharie County attracts tourists with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • 1998 - Schoharie County is severely impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd.
  • 2011 - Schoharie County suffers extensive damage due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene.