National Register Listing

Ukiah Main Post Office

a.k.a. United States Post Office, Ukiah, California

224 N. Oak St., Ukiah, CA
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Economics; Architecture; Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
  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.

politics government economics architecture art post office
The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system. The system was built in 1873 and is a National Historic Landmark. The cable cars are a popular tourist attraction and are featured in many movies and TV shows.
California random facts
Mendocino County, located on the northern coast of California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Pomo, Yuki, and Wappo, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European exploration of the area began in the late 18th century, with Spanish and Russian explorers searching for trade routes and resources.

In the mid-19th century, Mendocino County experienced rapid development as settlers arrived during the California Gold Rush. Fort Bragg, a coastal town, was established as a military outpost in 1857 to protect the northern frontier and assist in gold mining operations. The timber industry also boomed during this time, as vast redwood forests were logged for lumber and shipbuilding.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mendocino County saw significant growth in agriculture, particularly wine production. The area's Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil attracted Italian and Swiss immigrants who established successful vineyards and wineries. The county became known for its award-winning grapes and wines, a reputation that continues to this day.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Mendocino County became associated with counterculture movements and a back-to-the-land movement. In the 1960s and 70s, many individuals seeking a more alternative lifestyle settled in the region, practicing communal living, organic farming, and advocating for environmental conservation.

Today, Mendocino County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, ancient redwood forests, and picturesque vineyards. The area's cultural heritage, from indigenous traditions to its history of logging and winemaking, is celebrated through museums, festivals, and local community initiatives. The county continues to be a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, wine tasting, and cultural experiences.

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

  • 1850: Mendocino County is established on February 18th, making it one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1852: The city of Mendocino is founded as a logging community.
  • 1857: The first courthouse in Mendocino County is built in Ukiah.
  • 1880s: The logging industry booms in Mendocino County, contributing to its economic growth.
  • 1904: The Mendocino State Hospital, which later becomes known as the Mendocino Developmental Center, is established.
  • 1939: The Golden Gate Bridge opens, connecting Mendocino County to the rest of California.
  • 1964: The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are designated as a public park, preserving natural coastal beauty.
  • 1969: The Mendocino County Winegrape and Wine Commission is formed, sparking the growth of the wine industry in the county.
  • 1970s-1980s: The emergence of the counterculture movement and the back-to-the-land movement attracts many alternative lifestyle followers to Mendocino County.
  • 1990: The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens open in Fort Bragg, showcasing the region's diverse flora.
  • 2017: Mendocino County experiences devastating wildfires, causing widespread destruction and loss.