National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse

85 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
  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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Ohio.
Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.
Ohio random facts
Franklin County, located in central Ohio, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Wyandot tribes, who were later displaced by European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the county was organized in 1803 as part of the Northwest Territory.

In its early years, Franklin County played a significant role in the development of Ohio. It served as the state capital when Ohio became a state in 1803 until 1816. The County's central location made it an ideal hub for trade and commerce, and its proximity to transportation routes, such as the National Road and later the railroads, further solidified its importance.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Franklin County experienced significant growth and urbanization. The population expanded rapidly, particularly in the city of Columbus, which became the county seat. Columbus became a major center for industry, education, and government. The Statehouse, which was completed in the late 19th century, stands as a symbol of the county's role as the state capital.

Franklin County has also been instrumental in shaping American politics. It served as a political battleground during the Civil War and has remained an important region for political activity ever since. Today, Franklin County continues to grow and thrive as a vibrant community filled with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and a strong focus on education and research.

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

  • 1803: Franklin County is established on April 30.
  • 1808: The Ohio Statehouse construction begins.
  • 1812: The first issue of the "Ohio Monitor" newspaper is published.
  • 1816: The Columbus Dispatch newspaper is established.
  • 1834: The Ohio State Archives is founded.
  • 1837: The Ohio Statehouse construction is completed.
  • 1851: The National Road reaches Columbus.
  • 1862: The Camp Chase Confederate prison opens.
  • 1873: The Franklin County Courthouse construction is completed.
  • 1899: The Columbus Metropolitan Library is established.
  • 1916: The Ohio Theatre opens in Columbus.
  • 1950: The population of Franklin County exceeds half a million.
  • 1964: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is created.
  • 1974: The Franklin County Veterans Memorial is dedicated.
  • 2012: The Columbus Clippers win the Triple-A baseball championship.