East Liverpool Post Office
a.k.a. East Liverpool Pottery Museum
5th and Broadway Sts., East Liverpool, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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 Cincinnati Reds, one of Ohio's two Major League Baseball teams (along with the Cleveland Indians), were the first professional baseball team to wear uniforms with numbers on them. They did so in 1911, to help fans identify players more easily.
In the early 19th century, Columbiana County became known for its industrial and agricultural activities. The discovery of vast coal deposits in the region led to the establishment of numerous mining operations, which fueled the county's economic growth. The county also experienced significant growth along the Ohio River, with the development of river ports and the shipping industry.
During the mid-1800s, Columbiana County played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, which helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Prominent abolitionists and conductors, such as Charles B. Christman and John and Viola Copeland, worked tirelessly to support fugitive slaves and assist them on their journey. The county also witnessed the rise of the abolitionist movement, with public rallies and meetings advocating for the end of slavery.
In the later years, Columbiana County experienced various economic shifts. The decline of the coal industry around the mid-20th century had a significant impact on the county's economy. Nevertheless, the county diversified its economic base, with the growth of tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Today, Columbiana County continues to preserve its rich history through historical sites, museums, and events, attracting visitors and historians alike.
Columbiana County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Columbiana County, Ohio.
- 1803: Columbiana County is established as the 26th county in Ohio.
- Early 1800s: The county's economy grows with the development of agriculture, including wheat, corn, and livestock.
- 1830s: The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal brings increased trade and transportation to Columbiana County.
- Mid-1800s: The county experiences a boom in coal mining and iron production, becoming a leading supplier of these resources.
- Late 1800s: Steel production becomes a prominent industry in the county, supporting the growth of cities like East Liverpool and Salem.
- Early 1900s: The pottery industry flourishes in East Liverpool, earning the town the nickname "Pottery Capital of the World."
- 1950s-1970s: The decline of the steel and pottery industries impacts the county's economy, leading to a period of economic instability.
- 1980s-present: Columbiana County diversifies its economy, focusing on tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing to revive local businesses.