Old College Hill Post Office
1624 Pasadena Ave., Cincinnati, 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 Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio, is a famous prison that has been featured in several movies, including "The Shawshank Redemption." It was built in 1886 and operated until 1990.
In 1790, Hamilton County was officially organized, named after Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury. Cincinnati, the county seat, was quickly established as a bustling town and became an important trading hub due to its location on the Ohio River. The region prospered throughout the 19th century, fueled by the growth of the steamboat industry and the expansion of canals and railroads.
During the Civil War, Hamilton County played a significant role as a major recruiting and training ground for Union soldiers. The area experienced economic growth during this time, as factories producing war-related goods saw increased demand. In the early 20th century, industries such as manufacturing, steel, and Procter & Gamble's consumer products further propelled the county's development.
Hamilton County has also faced challenges throughout its history. In the mid-20th century, urban decline and suburbanization led to economic challenges and population loss in some parts of the county. However, efforts have been made to revitalize urban areas and preserve historic sites, leading to renewed interest in the county's past.
Today, Hamilton County is a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and suburban areas. It is known for its cultural attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Art Museum, and the iconic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The county continues to grow and adapt, preserving its history while embracing new opportunities for progress and development.
Hamilton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hamilton County, Ohio.
- 1790: Hamilton County was established on January 2.
- 1803: The first courthouse was built in Cincinnati.
- 1808: The city of Cincinnati was incorporated as a town on January 1.
- 1819: The Cincinnati Observatory, the oldest professional observatory in the United States, was founded.
- 1820: The population of Hamilton County reached 16,230.
- 1828: The Cincinnati Public Library was established as the Young Men's Mercantile Library Association.
- 1850: The population of Hamilton County reached 145,534.
- 1884: The Cincinnati Reds, one of the oldest professional baseball teams in the United States, was founded.
- 1912: Music Hall, a historic concert venue, was opened in Cincinnati.
- 1920: The population of Hamilton County reached 540,153.
- 1963: The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series.
- 2001: Paul Brown Stadium, home to the Cincinnati Bengals, opened.