National Register Listing

US Post Office-Owego

a.k.a. Owego Post OFfice

6 Lake St., Owego, 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 New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.
New York random facts
Tioga County, NY, located in the Southern Tier region of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Iroquois Confederacy, who called the area home for centuries. In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, seeking opportunities for farming and trade.

The county was officially established in 1791, named after the Tioga River that flows through the area. The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and hardships brought on by the American Revolution. However, the completion of the Erie Canal in the 1820s brought significant growth and development to the region, opening up avenues for transportation and trade.

In the mid-19th century, the discovery of natural resources such as coal and natural gas led to an economic boom in Tioga County. The coal industry thrived, attracting workers and entrepreneurs to the area. The county also became an important transportation hub, with the construction of railroads further enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities.

Throughout the 20th century, Tioga County experienced both periods of growth and challenges. The decline of the coal industry in the early 1900s brought economic hardships to the region, but the county diversified its economy with the emergence of other industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Today, Tioga County continues to thrive as a blend of rural and suburban communities, preserving its historical heritage while embracing modern developments.

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

  • 1791: Tioga County is established as one of the original counties in New York State
  • 1785: The first permanent settlement in the county is established at Owego
  • 1800s: Tioga County experiences rapid growth and development with the establishment of new towns and industries
  • 1869: The county seat is officially moved from Tioga to Owego
  • Late 1800s-Early 1900s: The county's economy flourishes with the rise of manufacturing, agriculture, and the railroad
  • 1935: The Southern Tier Expressway (now Route 17/86) is completed, bringing improved transportation to the county
  • 1970s: Tioga County faces economic challenges and a decline in manufacturing industries
  • 1990s-Present: Efforts are made to diversify the county's economy, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and small businesses