US Post Office-Ellenville
a.k.a. Ellenville Post Office
Liberty Pl., Ellenville, 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 Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
In 1652, the Dutch established the town of Wiltwyck, which would later become Kingston, the county seat. The settlement quickly grew as a center for trade between the Dutch and local Native American tribes. However, the area was also marked by conflict, with tensions between the Dutch and British escalating.
During the American Revolution, Ulster County played a significant role. The area had a strong presence of patriots, and Kingston briefly served as the first capital of New York State. In 1777, the county was a target of a British invasion. The Burning of Kingston occurred in October of that year, leaving the city devastated.
As the county developed in the 19th century, it became a major hub for agriculture and manufacturing. The development of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and the arrival of the railroad further boosted the local economy. A diverse range of industries emerged, including tanning, textile manufacturing, and brick making, which contributed to the county's growth and prosperity.
In the 20th century, Ulster County witnessed significant changes. It transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic sites. The iconic Woodstock Music Festival took place in Bethel, just outside of Ulster County, in 1969, leaving a lasting cultural impact on the region. Today, Ulster County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, preserving its history while embracing innovation and progress.
Ulster County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ulster County, New York.
- 1600s: The region of Ulster County is inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe.
- 1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer, sails up the Hudson River and claims the land for the Dutch.
- 1664: The British take control of the area from the Dutch and name it Ulster County.
- 1714: The county becomes part of the newly formed colony of New York.
- 1777-1783: Ulster County contributes actively to the American Revolutionary War.
- 1797: Kingston is established as the county seat.
- 1800s: The county experiences growth and development with the expansion of the Erie Canal and the arrival of the railroad.
- 1869: The Shawangunk Ridge is designated as a national forest.
- 1907: The Catskill Forest Preserve is established, protecting much of the county's natural beauty.
- 1969: The Woodstock Music Festival takes place in Bethel, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.
- 1987: The Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge, opens as the longest elevated park in the world.