National Register Listing

Grafton Post Office

205 Main St., Grafton, VT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
  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 community planning and development politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Vermont.
Vermont was the first state to establish a state park: In 1900, Vermont established the first state park in the United States, known as the Mt. Tom State Park. The park is located in Woodstock, Vermont.
Vermont random facts
Windham County, Vermont has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Abenaki people, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for their sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of Fort Dummer in present-day Brattleboro in 1724. The initial settlements faced challenges from both Native American tribes and conflicts between colonial powers.

In the late 18th century, Windham County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. It was the site of important military actions, such as the Battle of Bennington in 1777, which marked a turning point for the American forces. Following the war, Windham County experienced rapid growth and became known for its thriving manufacturing industry, particularly in textiles, paper, and agriculture.

As transportation improved with the expansion of railroads and canals, Windham County became an important hub for trade and commerce. The county grew economically, attracting businesses and industries that fueled its development. The advent of the industrial revolution in the 19th century transformed many towns in Windham County, such as Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, into bustling centers of production and trade.

In the 20th century, Windham County faced economic challenges as the decline of industries such as manufacturing and logging affected the region. However, the county adapted to the changing times and embraced new opportunities, particularly in tourism, services, and the arts. Today, Windham County is cherished for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cultural scene, attracting visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1771 - Windham County formed and named after Windham in Connecticut
  • 1777 - Putney, one of the county's towns, incorporated
  • 1781 - Brattleboro, the county seat, incorporated
  • 1800s - Windham County experiences industrial growth with mills and factories
  • 1834 - Vermont's first medical college, the Vermont Academy of Medicine, established in Brattleboro
  • 1845 - Westminster, known for its historic meeting house, incorporated
  • 1855 - Marlboro College founded in Marlboro
  • 1869 - Wilmington Village becomes a popular tourist destination
  • 1900s - Windham County becomes a popular area for tourism and outdoor activities
  • 1935 - Mount Snow ski resort opens in Dover
  • 1970s - Windham County becomes known for its vibrant arts community