U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Federal Building
W. 4th St. between Government Pl. and West St., Williamsport, PA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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 Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, was established in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the United States.
European settlement in the area began in the 18th century, with the arrival of fur traders and pioneers. In 1763, the first permanent settlement was established by British settler James Brady, who built a log cabin near present-day Muncy. The county was officially formed in 1795, named after the river that flows through it, Lycoming Creek.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Lycoming County experienced rapid growth as a result of the lumber industry. The region's vast forests provided an abundant supply of timber, attracting numerous sawmills and loggers. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad in the mid-19th century further stimulated the county's economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lycoming County diversified its economy, with the establishment of manufacturing industries such as textiles, furniture, and locomotive production. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with the construction of the Williamsport Army Airfield and the production of military equipment.
Today, Lycoming County is known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and strong sense of community. The county hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Little League World Series and the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. With its rich history and promising future, Lycoming County continues to be a dynamic and thriving region in Pennsylvania.
Lycoming County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
- Pre-1772: The area that is now Lycoming County was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Senecas.
- 1772: The first European settlers, James Alexander and James Armstrong, arrive in what is now Lycoming County.
- 1795: Lycoming County is established by the Pennsylvania State Legislature.
- 1804: The first courthouse is built in Williamsport, the county seat of Lycoming County.
- 1823: The Lycoming Gazette, the first newspaper in the county, is established.
- 1839: The Susquehanna Boom, a system of interconnected logs on the river, is constructed to facilitate the transportation of timber down the river.
- 1861-1865: Lycoming County, like the rest of the country, is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1871: The Williamsport Hospital, the first hospital in the county, is founded.
- 1889: The first Little League Baseball game is played in Williamsport, marking the beginning of a long association between the city and the sport.
- 1928: The Williamsport Regional Airport is established.
- 1979: The Little League Baseball World Series is permanently moved to South Williamsport.