US Post Office-Lamar Main
a.k.a. Lamar Post Office;Lamar Main Post Office
300 S. Fifth St., Lamar, CO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
Colorado is home to many famous ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen. Skiing was first introduced to the state in the 1930s, and has since become a major part of Colorado's tourism industry.
The area that is now Prowers County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, drawn by the fertile land and agricultural opportunities.
Agriculture has played a significant role in the history of Prowers County. The first settlers in the area primarily engaged in farming and ranching, raising cattle, sheep, and crops such as wheat and corn. Prowers County became known as a major agricultural center, with an abundance of farmland and a well-established irrigation system.
In addition to agriculture, Prowers County also saw growth and development in other sectors. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century stimulated economic activity and helped connect the county to larger markets. The county seat, Lamar, became an important transportation crossroads.
Today, Prowers County continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching remaining important industries. The county also boasts a strong sense of community and is home to a diverse population. With its rich history and natural beauty, Prowers County offers a unique glimpse into the past and a promising future.
Prowers County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Prowers County, Colorado.
- 1860: Prospectors and settlers arrive in the area, drawn by gold discoveries in nearby areas.
- 1862: Bent County is formed, including present-day Prowers County, as part of the Colorado Territory.
- 1870: The town of Lamar is established as a trading post and stagecoach stop.
- 1880: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Lamar, boosting economic development.
- 1889: Prowers County is officially established, with Lamar as its county seat.
- 1900: Agriculture becomes the main industry in the county, with farming and ranching dominating the economy.
- 1930s: The Dust Bowl and Great Depression severely impact the county's agricultural industry.
- 1950s: The construction of the John Martin Reservoir provides water resources for irrigation, benefiting local farmers.
- 1980s: The county experiences an economic downturn due to declining agricultural prices.
- 2000s: Efforts are made to diversify the economy, focusing on tourism, renewable energy, and healthcare services.