National Register Listing

US Post Office-Watkins Glen

a.k.a. Watkins Glen Post Office

600 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY
Local significance of the building:
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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of New York.
The first woman to vote in a United States presidential election was a resident of Rochester, New York named Susan B. Anthony. She cast her ballot in the 1872 election, for which she was arrested and fined.
New York random facts
Schuyler County, NY, located in the Finger Lakes region, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Iroquois Confederacy, who had established settlements and practiced agriculture in the region.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural beauty. The region became part of a larger land purchase from the Iroquois known as the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The first settlers established small farming communities, and the area gradually grew in population.

One significant event in the county's history is the construction of the Chemung Canal, which opened in 1833. This canal connected the Erie Canal with Seneca Lake, allowing for the transportation of goods and boosting the local economy. The canal played a crucial role in the development of towns like Montour Falls and Watkins Glen, turning them into thriving trading hubs.

In more recent history, Schuyler County has become known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The establishment of Watkins Glen State Park in 1906 drew tourists from far and wide, attracted by the park's stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Today, the county continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like boating, fishing, and wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Throughout its history, Schuyler County has experienced both periods of growth and challenges. However, its natural resources, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage have helped shape it into the vibrant community it is today.

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

  • 1789: Schuyler County was established as a part of Steuben County.
  • 1798: Cataract Purchase Treaty ceded the land to the United States from the Iroquois Nation.
  • 1814: The County was officially founded and named after Philip Schuyler, a distinguished American statesman.
  • 1819: Hector Township was organized and became the first of nine townships in the County.
  • 1854: Cayuta Township, the last township, was formed in Schuyler County.
  • 1892: Construction of the first Watkins Glen State Park trail began.
  • 1900: The village of Watkins Glen was officially incorporated.
  • 1948: The Glen Curtiss Memorial Bridge was built over Seneca Lake.
  • 1973: The Village of Montour Falls became the county seat.
  • 2000: The population of Schuyler County reached its peak at 19,224 residents.