US Post Office-Penn Yan
a.k.a. Penn Yan Post Office
159 Main St., Penn Yan, 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 first American museum was founded in New York City in 1792. It was called the American Museum, and it was located in what is now City Hall Park.
In 1795, land speculator Oliver Phelps purchased a large tract of land from the Seneca Nation, known as the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. This opened up the area for settlement, and the first pioneers began to arrive in the early 19th century. The county, named after Judge Joseph C. Yates, was officially established in 1823, and Penn Yan was chosen as the county seat.
Agriculture played a major role in the development of Yates County, with crops like wheat, corn, and grapes becoming increasingly important. The region's rich soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and the early settlers took advantage of these resources. The establishment of the Crooked Lake Canal in the 1830s further facilitated the transportation of goods, boosting the local economy.
Yates County also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, with many local residents actively participating in the fight against slavery. Notable figures such as Frederick Douglass, who lived in nearby Rochester, and Harriet Tubman, who made several stops in the area on the Underground Railroad, visited and spoke in Yates County. The region's involvement in social reform movements continued into the 20th century with the rise of the women's suffrage movement, as several well-known suffragists lived and organized in the area.
Today, Yates County is a vibrant and picturesque community, known for its beautiful lakes, vineyards, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the numerous wineries, hiking trails, and museums that showcase the county's rich history.
Yates County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Yates County, New York.
- 1788 - Yates County is established as one of the original counties in the state of New York.
- 1791 - The first settlements are established in the area, including the town of Penn Yan.
- 1835 - The Erie Canal is completed, bringing increased trade and transportation to the county.
- 1855 - The county's first railroad line, the Elmira & Williamsport Railroad, is completed.
- 1901 - The Keuka College is founded in Keuka Park.
- 1938 - Construction of the Keuka Lake State Park is completed.
- 1964 - The prehistoric Native American archaeological site of Gawanagayotaha is discovered.
- 1990 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.
- 2010 - The population of Yates County reaches approximately 25,000 people.