Historical Marker

The Fort Dodge Post Office and Federal Building

Historical marker location:
900 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa
( Marker is on Central Avenue just east of North 9th Street, on the left when traveling east.)

1896-1907 & 1908-1964

  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.

During World War II, Iowa was home to several prisoner of war camps, where German soldiers were held captive. The largest of these camps was located in Algona, Iowa, and housed more than 10,000 prisoners at its peak.
Iowa random facts
Webster County, Iowa, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. In the early years, the region was home to Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ioway, who relied on the fertile land along the Des Moines River for hunting and gathering.

In the mid-1800s, settlers from the eastern states began arriving in the area, attracted to the land's agricultural potential. The county was officially established in 1851 and named after Daniel Webster, a prominent American statesman. The town of Fort Dodge, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1850 and served as a central hub for trade and transportation.

The discovery of gypsum deposits in the late 19th century brought economic prosperity to Webster County. Gypsum mining and manufacturing became major industries, attracting workers from around the region. This led to the development of several communities, including Lehigh and Dayton, which were built around the gypsum mines.

Webster County has been shaped by its agricultural heritage. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for successful farming, particularly in corn and soybean production. The introduction of modern farming techniques and machinery further bolstered the county's agricultural sector, contributing to its economic stability.

Today, Webster County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a strong agricultural base. The county's history is celebrated through various historical sites and museums, showcasing the enduring legacy of the early settlers and the impact of industries like gypsum mining on the region's development.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Webster County, Iowa.

  • 1850: Webster County is established as a county in the state of Iowa.
  • 1855: The first courthouse is completed in Fort Dodge, the county seat of Webster County.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and many residents from Webster County join the Union Army.
  • 1868: The city of Fort Dodge is incorporated, becoming the largest city in Webster County.
  • 1873: The first railroad, the Illinois Central Railroad, reaches Fort Dodge, improving transportation in the area.
  • 1881: The Fort Dodge Messenger, the oldest newspaper in Webster County, is established.
  • 1908: The Duncombe Dam is constructed on the Des Moines River, providing hydroelectric power to Fort Dodge.
  • 1926: The Webster County Courthouse, which still stands today, is completed in Fort Dodge.
  • 1961: The Crossroads Mall, the first enclosed shopping center in Webster County, opens in Fort Dodge.
  • 1985: The Blanden Memorial Art Museum opens its doors, showcasing various artworks and providing art education to the community.