U.S. Post Office
W. Washington & Jackson Sts., Sandusky, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 Ohio River Valley was home to several Native American cultures before European settlement, including the Adena and Hopewell cultures. These cultures left behind many burial mounds and other archaeological sites that are now protected and preserved by the state of Ohio.
During the 19th century, Erie County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, which connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, played a crucial role in the county's economic expansion. The canal brought increased trade, industry, and population to the region, with several towns and villages springing up along its path, including Huron and Sandusky.
Sandusky, the county seat, became a prominent center of commerce and transportation due to its location on Lake Erie. The city served as a major port for shipping goods, and the growth of the railroad network in the mid-19th century further enhanced its prominence. Sandusky also became a popular destination for tourists, with the development of resorts and amusement parks along its waterfront.
In the 20th century, Erie County continued to thrive as industries such as manufacturing and tourism flourished. The county's manufacturing sector played a significant role in supporting the local economy, producing goods ranging from automobiles to furniture. The establishment of Cedar Point amusement park in the late 1800s solidified Sandusky's status as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country.
Today, Erie County remains an important economic and cultural hub in Ohio. It is known for its natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and wildlife habitats. The county continues to draw tourists with attractions like Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands, while also maintaining a strong manufacturing sector.
Erie County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Erie County, Ohio.
- 1800: Erie County is established by the Northwest Territory Act.
- 1807: The first European settlers, the Cuddeback brothers, arrive in the area.
- 1817: The county seat is established in Milan.
- 1824: The Erie Canal opens, connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River.
- 1838: The Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison, is built in Milan.
- 1882: The Sandusky Bay Bridge, now known as the Thomas A. Edison Memorial Bridge, is completed.
- 1903: The Cedar Point amusement park opens, becoming a major tourist attraction.
- 1919: The Great Lakes Historical Society is founded in Vermilion to preserve and promote the history of the Great Lakes region.
- 1970: The Stranahan Arboretum is established in Toledo, offering a natural retreat for visitors.
- 1991: The Merry-Go-Round Museum is opened in Sandusky, showcasing the history and artistry of carousel animals.