National Register Listing

US Post Office-Blackfoot Main

a.k.a. Blackfoot Main Post Office

165 W. Pacific, Blackfoot, ID
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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 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.

art politics government architecture post office
Idaho is known for its potatoes, but it wasn't until the 1930s that potatoes became a major crop in the state. Before that, wheat was the primary crop grown in Idaho.
Idaho random facts
Bingham County, located in southeastern Idaho, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who relied on the abundance of natural resources found in the area for their livelihoods. In the early 19th century, European fur trappers began exploring the region, establishing trade relationships with the Native American population.

In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals brought a wave of settlers to the region, leading to the establishment of several mining towns in what would become Bingham County. The discovery of gold in the Salmon River near Pierce in 1860 sparked the Idaho gold rush, attracting thousands of fortune seekers to the area. This led to the establishment of Bannock City, which served as the first territorial capital of Idaho.

As mining continued to be a major industry in the area, Bingham County underwent rapid development. The completion of the Utah and Northern Railway in the 1870s brought increased commerce and transportation options, further fueling the growth of the county. The county's economy diversified with the development of agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of potatoes and sugar beets, which are still significant industries today.

Bingham County also played a significant role in World War II, as it was home to the P15 German Prisoner of War camp near Shelley. Thousands of German prisoners were housed in the camp, contributing to the local economy through their labor on farms and in manufacturing industries.

Today, Bingham County continues to be a thriving community with a strong agricultural base, as well as a growing manufacturing sector. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Snake River that runs through it. With a combination of historical significance and natural attractions, Bingham County remains an important part of Idaho's heritage and economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bingham County, Idaho.

  • Bingham County was established on January 13, 1885.
  • In 1886, Shelley was founded as the first settlement in Bingham County.
  • Blackfoot, the current county seat, was established in 1887.
  • In 1888, Bingham County saw a population boom due to its agricultural potential and the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad.
  • The first newspaper in the county, the Blackfoot Register, began publication in 1889.
  • In 1895, the Idaho State Hospital South was established in Blackfoot.
  • From 1913 to 1922, Bingham County experienced significant growth in the sugar beet industry.
  • In 1949, the National Reactor Testing Station (now the Idaho National Laboratory) was created in the county.
  • In 1983, the Bingham County Historical Commission was formed to preserve and promote the county's history.