National Register Listing

US Post Office -Waterloo

a.k.a. Waterloo Post Office

2 E. Main St., Waterloo, 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 African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, studied at the New England Female Medical College in Boston, but she completed her clinical studies at the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in Manhattan in 1864.
New York random facts
Seneca County, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cayuga and the Seneca, who used the land for hunting and agriculture. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to move into the area, displacing the native population.

The county was officially established in 1804 and named after the Seneca people. It quickly became an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Seneca River and the Erie Canal. The opening of the canal in 1825 further boosted economic development, allowing for the transportation of goods to and from the Great Lakes, New York City, and beyond.

During the mid-19th century, Seneca County experienced a significant influx of German and Irish immigrants, who came seeking employment opportunities in the growing manufacturing and industrial sectors. The county became known for its flour mills, breweries, and textile factories. The population also grew with the construction of the Seneca Army Depot during World War II, which brought a surge of workers to the area.

In recent decades, Seneca County has faced economic challenges with the decline of traditional industries. However, the county remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its picturesque landscapes, vibrant farm-to-table food scene, and numerous wineries and breweries. Today, Seneca County is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and a strong sense of community.

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

  • 1789: Seneca County is established as one of the original counties in the state of New York.
  • 1809: Construction of the Seneca Canal begins, connecting Seneca Lake to the Erie Canal.
  • 1817: The construction of the Seneca Canal is completed, facilitating transportation and trade in the region.
  • 1823: The village of Waterloo is incorporated, becoming the first village in Seneca County.
  • 1844: The First Women's Rights Convention is held in Seneca Falls, marking a significant event in the women's suffrage movement.
  • 1883: The Historic Seneca County Courthouse is built in Waterloo, serving as the seat of government for the county.
  • 1903: The Seneca Army Depot is established, becoming an important military installation during World War II and the Cold War.
  • 2015: The Seneca Meadows Landfill, one of the largest landfills in New York State, ceases operations after nearly 30 years.