Wetmore Post Office
a.k.a. Siloam Telephone Company; 5CR 545
682 Co. Rd. 395, Wetmore, CO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
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 state capital, Denver, was originally called "Denver City" when it was founded in 1858. It was named after James W. Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, and the city's founders hoped that he would help promote their new settlement. However, Governor Denver never actually visited the city.
In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold and silver brought a wave of settlers to Custer County, resulting in a period of intense mining activity. Numerous mines were established, including the famous silver mining town of Silver Cliff. The mining industry provided significant economic growth and attracted people from all walks of life seeking their fortune in the Colorado Rockies.
As mining activities declined in the early 1900s, Custer County's economy shifted towards ranching and agriculture. The vast open spaces and fertile valleys made it ideal for cattle ranching and farming. Homesteading became popular, with families settling in the area to cultivate crops and raise livestock.
In recent times, Custer County has become a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Isabel National Forest, this county draws visitors looking to engage in hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Its rich history and picturesque landscapes continue to attract people, making Custer County a beloved and historically significant region of Colorado.
Custer County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Custer County, Colorado.
- 1866 - Custer County is established.
- 1877 - Silver and lead are discovered in the area, leading to a mining boom.
- 1881 - The town of Rosita is founded.
- 1881 - The town of Silver Cliff is established.
- 1882 - The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reaches Silver Cliff.
- 1891 - The town of Westcliffe is incorporated.
- 1893 - The last mine in Rosita closes, leading to a decline in population.
- 1915 - A forest fire destroys many structures in Westcliffe.
- 1933 - The Great Depression causes economic hardship in the area.
- 1970 - Custer County is designated as a National Historic District.
- 1994 - The Westcliffe and Silver Cliff communities merge into one municipality.
- 2002 - The Conforming Zoning Resolution is adopted to manage growth and development.