Historical Marker

Delta Post Office

Historical marker location:
360 Meeker Street, Delta, Colorado
( Marker is at the intersection of Meeker Street and 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on Meeker Street.)

1938

  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 first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom in the area.
Colorado random facts
Delta County, located in the western part of Colorado, has a rich history that can be traced back to the early Native American tribes. The Ute tribe was the dominant group in the area, living off the land and utilizing its natural resources. In the 18th century, European explorers, such as the Spanish, French, and English, started to venture into the region in search of new lands and trading opportunities.

The 19th century marked the arrival of settlers and the establishment of permanent towns in Delta County. In 1855, the first permanent settlement was created in the present-day town of Elberta. The gold rush in the nearby mountains attracted prospectors, leading to the establishment of mining towns like Delta and Hotchkiss. Agriculture also played a crucial role in the county's development, with crops such as fruit orchards and sugar beets becoming significant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Delta County saw periods of growth and decline throughout its history. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century opened up opportunities for trade and transportation, boosting the county's economy. However, the decline of mining in the 20th century caused economic hardships for the area. Nevertheless, agriculture remained a strong sector, and efforts were made to diversify the county's economy.

In recent years, Delta County has seen a resurgence in its economy, thanks to the growth of tourism, outdoor recreation, and the local food movement. The county's picturesque landscapes, including the Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Gunnison River, have attracted visitors year-round. Additionally, Delta County has embraced sustainable agriculture and local food production, which has rejuvenated the farming community and spurred the development of local businesses and markets. Today, Delta County continues to preserve its unique history and natural beauty while embracing new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Delta County, Colorado.

  • 1883 - Delta County was established on February 11, 1883, by the Colorado General Assembly.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture and mining became the primary economic activities in the county.
  • Early 1900s - The county saw a boom in coal mining, which brought significant economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hit Delta County hard, causing a decline in mining and agricultural activities.
  • 1940s - Agriculture made a comeback with the introduction of irrigation and the cultivation of crops like apples and peaches.
  • 1950s - The county experienced a period of growth and development, with the construction of highways and infrastructure improvements.
  • 1970s - The county faced economic challenges due to declining coal mining activities.
  • 1980s - Delta County shifted its focus towards promoting tourism and recreational activities, taking advantage of its scenic landscapes and outdoor opportunities.
  • 2000s - The county continued to diversify its economy, emphasizing renewable energy sectors such as solar and wind power.
  • 2010s - Delta County has been actively promoting local agriculture, including the growth of organic farming and farmers markets.