US Post Office-Corning
a.k.a. Corning Post Office
129 Walnut St., Corning, 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 first recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.
The county was officially formed in 1796 and named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Steuben County quickly grew in population and became an important agricultural and trading center. The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century further spurred growth and development in the area.
During the Civil War, Steuben County sent a significant number of soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county also played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing a route for slaves escaping to freedom in Canada. The industrial revolution in the late 19th century led to the establishment of factories and mills in the county, contributing to its economic prosperity.
In the 20th century, Steuben County continued to evolve. The region became a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic landscapes, charming towns, and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Today, Steuben County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has preserved its historical heritage through the restoration of old buildings and the establishment of museums and historical societies.
Steuben County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Steuben County, New York.
- 1789 - Steuben County is established as a county in the state of New York.
- 1796 - Bath is chosen as the county seat.
- 1804 - Steuben County's population reaches 3,797.
- 1810 - The first tavern is established in Bath.
- 1813 - The county experiences its first murder trial.
- 1823 - The Erie Canal is completed, improving transportation and stimulating economic growth in the county.
- 1836 - The village of Corning is incorporated.
- 1853 - The first railroad, the New York and Erie Railroad, reaches Hornellsville in Steuben County.
- 1892 - The New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home is established in Bath.
- 1920 - The population of Steuben County reaches its peak of 132,752.
- 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps opens a camp in Steuben County, providing employment during the Great Depression.
- 1957 - The Corning Museum of Glass opens in Corning, becoming a major attraction in the region.
- 1972 - The Steuben County Historical Society is founded.
- 1991 - The Corning Incorporated headquarters open in the city of Corning.