US Post Office and Federal Building-Zanesville
65 S. Fifth St., Zanesville, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
During the early years of Muskingum County's history, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. The fertile soil along the river attracted many farmers who grew crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening new opportunities for trade. This expansion also brought about the growth of small towns and villages in Muskingum County.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of natural gas and oil in the area led to significant industrial development. Several oil and gas companies were established, leading to a boom in the local economy. This period saw the growth of Zanesville, the county seat, as an industrial center, with factories and mills contributing to its prosperity.
Today, Muskingum County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Muskingum University, located in New Concord, adds to the cultural and educational fabric of the county. Overall, Muskingum County's history is a testament to the resilience and growth of a community that has evolved from its agricultural beginnings to a thriving region in central Ohio.
Muskingum County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Muskingum County, Ohio.
- 1804 - Muskingum County is officially established.
- 1805 - Zanesville becomes the county seat.
- 1810 - The first bridge in Ohio is built over the Muskingum River in Zanesville.
- 1827 - The National Road reaches Zanesville, spurring economic growth.
- 1843 - Zanesville becomes a hub for the pottery industry.
- 1863 - The "Y-Bridge" in Zanesville, a unique three-way bridge, is completed.
- 1902 - The Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau is established.
- 1960s - The construction of Interstate 70 brings more visitors to Muskingum County.
- 2000s - Muskingum University, founded in 1837, continues to be a prominent educational institution.