National Register Listing

US Post Office-Gouverneur

a.k.a. Gouverneur Post Office

35 Grove St., Gouverneur, 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 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.
New York random facts
St. Lawrence County, located in northern New York, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, particularly the Mohawk and Iroquois Confederacy, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. European explorers and fur traders began arriving in the 17th century, with Samuel de Champlain being one of the first to visit the area in 1609.

The area that is now known as St. Lawrence County was officially established in 1802 when it was carved out of previously established counties. The county was named after the St. Lawrence River, which flows along its northern border. During the early 19th century, the construction of the Erie Canal and the development of the Great Lakes transportation system brought significant economic growth to the region. The county became a prominent hub for trade, agriculture, and manufacturing.

St. Lawrence County played a significant role in the development of the United States during the War of 1812. The region saw numerous military engagements, including the Battle of Ogdensburg in 1813. The county's strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it an essential supply route and defensive position for both the American and British forces.

In the 20th century, St. Lawrence County experienced further economic growth with the expansion of industries such as mining, forestry, and tourism. The county is home to the popular Adirondack Park, a vast protected wilderness area known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Today, St. Lawrence County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that celebrates its diverse history and embraces its natural resources.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of St. Lawrence County, New York.

  • 1791: St. Lawrence County is established as an original county of the state of New York.
  • 1802: The county seat is established in the village of Ogdensburg.
  • 1828: Construction of the St. Lawrence Canal begins.
  • 1831: Completion of the St. Lawrence Canal, facilitating transportation and commerce in the region.
  • 1850: The Talcottville-Two Taverns Road is completed, providing a major transportation route through the county.
  • 1862: The St. Lawrence County Fair is first held, becoming an annual tradition in the region.
  • 1887: Formation of the Adirondack Park, encompassing a portion of St. Lawrence County.
  • 1906: The St. Lawrence Power Dam is completed, harnessing the power of the St. Lawrence River.
  • 1941-1945: St. Lawrence County residents actively participate in World War II.
  • 1960s: Development of the St. Lawrence Seaway, opening new opportunities for international shipping and trade.
  • 1980s: Economic decline in the region due to restructuring of industries.
  • Present day: St. Lawrence County continues to be a hub for outdoor recreational activities, tourism, and education.