National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

NE corner of Broad and East Sts., Elyria, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  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.

post office
The first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was formed in Ohio in 1869.
Ohio random facts
Lorain County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Erie, Ottawa, and Wyandot tribes. European settlement began in the late 1700s, with the arrival of French and English fur traders and missionaries. The area eventually became part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a land tract in northern Ohio settled by Connecticut residents.

In 1824, Lorain County was officially established and named after the Lorraine region in France. The county quickly grew in population and became an important center for agriculture, industry, and commerce. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted the county's development, connecting it to the Great Lakes and allowing for the transportation of goods.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lorain County became known for its thriving industries, such as steel production, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The city of Lorain, in particular, grew into a major industrial hub, attracting workers from various parts of the country. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with many of its industries contributing to the war effort.

In recent decades, as the manufacturing industry declined, Lorain County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Today, the county is home to several colleges and universities, including Oberlin College and Lorain County Community College. The county's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including Lake Erie and various parks, continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Lorain County's history and its ongoing efforts for growth and development make it a fascinating and vibrant place to explore.

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

  • 1807 - Lorain County is officially established.
  • 1812 - The first permanent settlement is established in Elyria.
  • 1832 - The Ohio and Erie Canal opens, boosting the county's economic growth.
  • 1857 - Oberlin College becomes the first coeducational college in the United States.
  • 1894 - Lorain experiences a significant population boom due to the growth of its steel industry.
  • 1905 - Lorain becomes a city.
  • 1919 - The United Steel Workers union is established in Lorain.
  • 1942 - The Ford Motor Company builds a large plant in Lorain, contributing to the county's industrial prominence.
  • 1980 - The decline of the steel industry leads to economic challenges in Lorain County.
  • 1996 - The Lorain County Community College opens, providing educational opportunities for residents.
  • 2010 - Lorain County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.