National Register Listing

Ashtabula Post Office and Federal Building

a.k.a. Ashtabula Municipal Building

4400 Main Ave., Ashtabula, OH
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
  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
Ohio was a key battleground state in the 2004 presidential election, with the outcome ultimately decided by a margin of just over 118,000 votes.
Ohio random facts
Located in northeastern Ohio, Ashtabula County has a rich and varied history that dates back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie people, who were later displaced by European colonial powers. In 1797, the Connecticut Land Company purchased the area as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, leading to the establishment of Ashtabula County in 1808.

During its early years, Ashtabula County experienced rapid growth thanks to its strategic location on Lake Erie. The region became a hub for shipping and trade, with bustling ports in Conneaut and Ashtabula Harbor. The county's agricultural potential also played a significant role in its development, with settlers cultivating crops and establishing farms throughout the area.

In the mid-19th century, Ashtabula County became a center for the iron and coal industries. The discovery of large iron ore deposits, coupled with the availability of coal for fuel, led to the establishment of numerous iron furnaces and steel mills. This led to a period of industrial expansion and economic prosperity, with Ashtabula County known as "the pig iron center of the world."

Unfortunately, this era of prosperity was short-lived, as the decline of the iron and coal industries in the early 20th century led to a period of economic struggle for the county. However, the area eventually rebounded by diversifying its economy and focusing on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Today, Ashtabula County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It remains an important agricultural center, producing crops such as grapes, apples, and maple syrup. With a rich history and a vibrant present, Ashtabula County continues to thrive as a unique and charming destination in Ohio.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ashtabula County, Ohio.

  • 1800 - Ashtabula County is established on February 10, 1800.
  • 1805 - The town of Jefferson is established and becomes the county seat.
  • 1811 - The first permanent European settlers arrive in Geneva.
  • 1817 - Ashtabula Harbor is incorporated as a village.
  • 1831 - The Ashtabula Train Disaster occurs, one of the deadliest railroad accidents in U.S. history.
  • 1848 - The Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad reaches Ashtabula County, improving transportation and trade.
  • 1852 - The Village of Ashtabula Harbor is renamed Ashtabula
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and many young men from Ashtabula County serve in the Union Army.
  • 1870 - The first iron ore shipment from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota arrives at Ashtabula Harbor.
  • 1891 - The lift bridge is built over the Ashtabula River, replacing a swing bridge.
  • 1935 - The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival is established to celebrate the county's historic covered bridges.
  • 1969 - The Ashtabula County Historical Society is founded to preserve the area's history.
  • 1975 - The Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the United States, is built in Ashtabula County.
  • 1993 - The Great Ashtabula Train Disaster Memorial Park is dedicated to honor the victims of the 1876 train disaster.
  • 2018 - Ashtabula County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.