United States Post Office
a.k.a. Donald J. Pease Federal Building
143 West Liberty St., Medina, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
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.
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.
The county's name, "Medina," was chosen to honor the Arabian city of the same name, as it was believed to symbolize peacefulness and community. The first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, with Medina Township being established as one of the county's earliest townships.
During the mid-19th century, Medina County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad industry played a crucial role in shaping the county, connecting it with major cities like Cleveland and Akron. This facilitated the transportation of goods, leading to the growth of industries such as farming, manufacturing, and mining.
Notably, Medina County became known for its high-quality sandstone, which was quarried and used in the construction of many buildings and monuments, including several in Cleveland's iconic Public Square. The sandstone industry brought economic prosperity to the region and played a vital role in its development.
Today, Medina County is a vibrant community that combines its historical roots with modern amenities. The county is known for its charming small towns, beautiful countryside, and numerous parks and recreational areas. Rich in history and natural beauty, Medina County continues to thrive as a welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.
Medina County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Medina County, Ohio.
- 1810: Medina County was officially established on February 18.
- 1812: The county saw its first settler, Elijah Boardman, in February.
- 1820: The village of Medina was laid out and became the county seat.
- 1824: The Ohio and Erie Canal was completed, boosting the county's economic development.
- 1850: The population of the county reached over 30,000.
- 1861: During the Civil War, hundreds of men from Medina County joined the Union Army.
- 1870: Medina County Agricultural Society held its first fair.
- 1892: The Chippewa Lake amusement park opened, attracting visitors from near and far.
- 1924: A tornado struck the village of Lodi, causing significant damage.
- 1954: The Medina County Fairgrounds was established.
- 1980: The population of Medina County exceeded 100,000.