U.S. Post Office and Office Building
a.k.a. Federal Building
Kinoole and Waianuenue Sts., Hilo, HI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
During World War II, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into the war. Hawaii played a significant role in the war effort, serving as a crucial military base and transportation hub in the Pacific theater.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
Hawaii County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hawaii County, Hawaii.
- Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
- In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
- In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
- In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
- In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
- In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
- In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
- In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
- In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
- In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
- In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.