National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Custom House

a.k.a. St. Albans Post Office; Federal Building

40 S. Main St., St. Albans, VT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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 Vermont.
Vermont is home to the only floating bridge in the United States: The town of Brookfield, Vermont is home to the only floating bridge in the United States. The bridge, which spans Sunset Lake, is made up of floating pontoons that support the wooden deck.
Vermont random facts
Franklin County is located in northwestern Vermont and has a rich history dating back centuries. The region was originally occupied by the indigenous Abenaki people, who hunted, fished, and farmed in the area. European settlement began in the 18th century when French and English fur traders arrived, followed by British and American settlers.

During the American Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role. The Battle of Missisquoi in 1776 was fought on the county's southwestern border, as American forces tried to prevent British control of Lake Champlain. This battle was part of the broader campaign to secure the region and prevent a British invasion from Canada.

The county's economy flourished in the 19th century. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a dominant industry. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth. The county became known for its cheese production, with some Franklin County cheeses winning international awards.

Franklin County also witnessed the rise of the temperance and abolitionist movements in the 19th century. The county was home to Jonathan B. Turner, a prominent abolitionist, and the Congregational Church and Methodists provided strong support for the anti-slavery and temperance causes. The county played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing refuge for escaping slaves.

Today, Franklin County is a vibrant area with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities. It continues to be known for its dairy farming and cheese production. The county is also home to numerous recreational opportunities, including Lake Champlain, the Missisquoi River, and several state parks. With its rich history and natural beauty, Franklin County remains a significant part of Vermont's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Franklin County, Vermont.

  • 1781: Franklin County established as one of Vermont's fourteen counties
  • 1791: Vermont admitted to the Union as the 14th U.S. state
  • 1804: St. Albans town incorporated
  • 1816: Enosburg town incorporated
  • 1822: Fairfax town incorporated
  • 1825: Franklin County Grammar School established in St. Albans
  • 1837: Franklin County Agricultural Society organized
  • 1864: Swanton town incorporated
  • 1885: Missisquoi Railroad opens, connecting St. Albans to Montreal
  • 1924: Richford village incorporated
  • 1942: Grand Isle County separates from Franklin County
  • 1973: Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation incorporated