US Post Office-Warsaw
a.k.a. Warsaw Post Office
35 S. Main St., Warsaw, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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.
European settlers first arrived in the late 18th century, with the area officially becoming Wyoming County in 1841. The county derives its name from a Delaware Indian word meaning "large plains." Throughout the early years, the economy relied heavily on agriculture and timber, with farms and sawmills dotting the landscape.
One notable event in the county's history is the construction of the Genesee Valley Canal, which connected the Erie Canal to the southern parts of the state. This canal helped fuel economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods across the county. However, the canal faced challenges with declining usage due to the rise of railroads, ultimately leading to its demise in the late 19th century.
Wyoming County has also experienced significant industrialization throughout its history. The discovery of natural gas in the late 19th century sparked an energy boom, leading to the establishment of gas wells and factories in the region. Today, the county continues to be an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
In summary, Wyoming County, NY has a diverse history that encompasses Native American settlements, early European colonization, agricultural development, canal transportation, industrialization, and the continued importance of agriculture and tourism to its economy.
Wyoming County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wyoming County, New York.
- 1812: Wyoming County is officially established by the New York State Legislature.
- 1836: Letchworth State Park, also known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is established in Wyoming County.
- 1862: The first oil well in Wyoming County is drilled in the town of Arcade, leading to an oil boom in the area.
- 1863: The Wyoming County Fair, one of the oldest county fairs in New York, begins its annual tradition.
- 1944: Construction of the Perry-Warsaw Airport commences, serving as an important hub for aviation in the region.
- 1970: The Attica Prison riot occurs, making national headlines and leading to significant changes in the prison system.
- 1997: The Windmill Farm and Craft Market opens, becoming a popular attraction for tourists and locals.
- 2010: Wyoming County experiences a population growth, with record numbers in agriculture and manufacturing.