National Register Listing

US Post Office-Clyde

a.k.a. Clyde Post Office

26 S. Park St., Clyde, NY
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  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.

art politics government architecture post office
New York State was the site of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history prior to 9/11. In 1993, a bomb planted in the World Trade Center by Islamic extremists killed six people and injured more than a thousand others.
New York random facts
Wayne County, located in the western part of New York State, has a rich and diverse history that dates back long before the arrival of European settlers. Before the 18th century, the region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily the Seneca and Cayuga tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. These tribes lived off the land, engaging in agriculture, hunting, and gathering activities, and their presence is still felt in the county today.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in what is now Wayne County. The region became part of the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign during the American Revolutionary War, as General Sullivan's troops marched through the area, destroying the Native American villages and crops. Following the war, the area experienced rapid growth, and in 1823, Wayne County was officially established.

Agriculture played a vital role in the county's development, with fertile soil and access to the Erie Canal making it an ideal location for farming. The county became known as the "Breadbasket of the Empire State" due to its productive farmland and abundant crop yields. It became a leading producer of apples, cherries, and onions, with orchards and farms dotting the landscape.

During the mid-19th century, Wayne County's economy expanded beyond agriculture. The construction of the Erie Canal and later the railroad brought increased commerce, and industry began to thrive. Mills, factories, and ironworks sprang up, contributing to the county's growth and prosperity.

Wayne County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, adapting to changes in agriculture and industry. Today, it remains an agricultural hub while also embracing tourism, with its charming small towns, historic sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors from near and far. Its rich history and vibrant communities make Wayne County a unique and significant part of New York's heritage.

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

  • 1683 - Wayne County is part of Albany County in the Province of New York.
  • 1766 - Ontario County is formed, including present-day Wayne County within its boundaries.
  • 1789 - Wayne County is established as a separate county from Ontario County.
  • 1805 - Lyons is chosen as the county seat of Wayne County.
  • 1810 - Wayne County gains its current boundaries.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal opens, bringing economic growth to Wayne County.
  • 1850 - The population of Wayne County reaches over 35,000.
  • 1906 - The first commercial fruit farm is established in Wayne County.
  • 1952 - Wayne County Airport is opened.
  • 2002 - Wayne County celebrates its bicentennial.