National Register Listing

United States Post Office-Punxsutawney

201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney, PA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  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.

architecture politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is home to the longest stone arch bridge in the world, the Rockville Bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania random facts
Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has a rich and vibrant history that stretches back to its earliest settlement. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois Confederacy, who hunted and fished in the region. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with Colonel Ancil D. Anderson establishing the first permanent settlement, known as Jefferson, in 1804.

During the early years of its development, Jefferson County experienced significant growth and economic expansion. The discovery of valuable natural resources, such as coal and timber, fueled the establishment and growth of industries. The construction of canals and railroads in the mid-19th century further facilitated the transportation of goods and boosted the local economy.

Jefferson County played a significant role during the American Civil War. The area saw several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Reynoldsville in 1863. The county also provided soldiers who fought in various regiments throughout the conflict. After the war, the county experienced some struggles as the coal industry faced fluctuating demand, labor disputes, and economic downturns.

In the 20th century, Jefferson County's economy diversified with the rise of oil and gas exploration. The discovery of the Barnett and Marcellus shale formations brought new job opportunities and economic growth to the area. Today, the county continues to embrace its natural resources, while also focusing on tourism and outdoor recreation as economic drivers. With its rich history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, Jefferson County remains an important part of Pennsylvania's heritage.

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

  • 1804: Jefferson County is established and named after Thomas Jefferson.
  • 1829: The county seat is moved from Brookville to Punxsutawney.
  • 1886: The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club holds its first official Groundhog Day event.
  • 1933: The Kinzua Dam is constructed on the Allegheny River, leading to the creation of the Allegheny Reservoir.
  • 1972: The Brookville Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1993: Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks are designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
  • 2005: The Jefferson County History Center is established in Brookville.
  • 2016: Jefferson County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.