National Register Listing

US Post Office-Northport

a.k.a. Northport Post Office

244 Main St., Northport, 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
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
Suffolk County, located on Long Island in New York, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early colonial era. The first European settlers arrived in the 17th century, with the Dutch establishing trading posts and the English later taking control of the region. The area was home to Native American tribes, notably the Shinnecock and Montaukett peoples, who were gradually displaced as European settlements expanded.

During the American Revolutionary War, Suffolk County played a significant role. The county saw numerous battles and skirmishes, and the region served as a base for both American and British forces. After the war, the county experienced rapid growth as agriculture and maritime trade flourished. The early 19th century witnessed the rise of shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling industries, with towns like Greenport and Sag Harbor becoming significant maritime hubs.

In the mid-19th century, the construction and expansion of railroads transformed Suffolk County into a popular summer resort destination for wealthy New York City residents. The opening of the Long Island Rail Road in 1844 allowed for easier access to the county's picturesque beaches and rural countryside. This era also marked the growth of suburban development, as more people sought to settle in Suffolk County and commute to the city.

In recent decades, Suffolk County has undergone further development and diversification. The region's economy has expanded beyond agriculture and maritime industries, with a focus on sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and tourism. The county also faces challenges such as population growth, transportation issues, and environmental concerns, particularly regarding coastal erosion and water quality. Overall, Suffolk County remains an important part of Long Island's history, boasting a vibrant past and a thriving present.

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

  • 1640 - English settlers from New Haven, Connecticut, purchase land from local Native Americans and establish the first permanent European settlements in Suffolk County.
  • 1683 - Suffolk County is officially formed as one of the twelve original counties of the Province of New York.
  • 1692 - Witch trials occur in the town of East Hampton, resulting in the execution of three women accused of practicing witchcraft.
  • 1792 - Suffolk County splits into two separate counties: Suffolk County and Queens County.
  • 1812 - The War of 1812 begins, leading to a wave of British attacks on Suffolk County's coastal towns and shipping industries.
  • 1868 - The Long Island Rail Road expands into Suffolk County, connecting it to New York City and spurring population growth and economic development.
  • 1898 - Suffolk County's population reaches 150,000, with agriculture, fishing, and tourism as its primary industries.
  • 1938 - The "Long Island Express" hurricane devastates Suffolk County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 1963 - Suffolk County Community College is established, providing accessible higher education to local residents.
  • 1978 - The notorious "Son of Sam" serial killer, David Berkowitz, is arrested in Suffolk County.
  • 1997 - Suffolk County approves the preservation of 10,000 acres of open space, protecting the region's natural resources and scenic beauty.