National Register Listing

US Post Office-Los Angeles Terminal Annex

a.k.a. Los Angeles Terminal Annex Post Office

900 Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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.

art architecture post office
California has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. and the fifth largest economy in the world. The state's GDP in 2021 was $3.2 trillion, which is larger than the GDP of many countries, including Canada, Russia, and Australia.
California random facts
Los Angeles County, located in Southern California, has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tongva and Chumash people. In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claimed the region for Spain, but it was not until the late 18th century that Spanish missionaries began to establish settlements.

In 1781, a group of settlers known as the Los Pobladores founded the town of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, which would later become known as Los Angeles. The Spanish rule eventually gave way to Mexican control following their independence from Spain, and Los Angeles became part of Mexico.

With the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, the United States gained control of California, including Los Angeles County. The California Gold Rush of 1849 and the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s brought an influx of people, promoting growth and development in the region.

By the early 20th century, Los Angeles County became a hub for the movie industry and emerged as a center for entertainment and innovation. The film industry played a significant role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the county. Additionally, the completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913 brought a reliable water supply, allowing for further expansion.

Today, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. It is known for its diverse population, ranging from various ethnic backgrounds to vibrant art scenes and technological advancements. With iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Getty Center, and the beaches of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County continues to be a significant cultural, economic, and entertainment center.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Los Angeles County, California.

  • 1781: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, the settlement that would later become Los Angeles, was founded by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve.
  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and El Pueblo de los Ángeles became a part of Mexico.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War and transferring California to the United States.
  • 1850: California was admitted as the 31st state, and Los Angeles County was established.
  • 1876: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in Los Angeles, prompting significant population growth and economic development.
  • 1884: The construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct began, providing a reliable water supply and supporting further expansion.
  • 1909: The Hollywood film industry began to take shape, leading to the rapid growth of the entertainment sector in Los Angeles.
  • 1923: The first permanent film studio, Paramount Pictures, was established in Hollywood.
  • 1932: The Olympic Games were held in Los Angeles, boosting the city's international reputation.
  • 1942: During World War II, Los Angeles played a key role in the defense industry and experienced a population increase due to wartime manufacturing.
  • 1965: The Watts Riots took place in Los Angeles, highlighting racial tensions and social inequality.
  • 1984: Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics for the second time, showcasing the city's ability to hold major international events.
  • 1994: The Northridge earthquake struck Los Angeles, causing significant damage and loss of life.