US Post Office-Orofino Main
a.k.a. Orofino Main Post Office
320 Michigan Ave., Orofino, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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.
The first known human settlement in Idaho dates back more than 12,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that early Native American tribes lived in the region, and artifacts from these settlements can be found in museums throughout the state.
The discovery of gold in the Clearwater River in 1860 led to a significant influx of miners, triggering the Idaho Gold Rush. The town of Pierce, now the county seat, became a strategic center for mining activities. The region experienced both booms and busts as gold deposits were depleted and new mining opportunities arose throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the late 19th century, timber became a prominent industry in Clearwater County. The vast mountainous forests provided an abundance of resources, attracting logging companies to the area. Lumber mills began operating, contributing to the county's economic growth and development. The logging industry remains an important part of Clearwater County's economy to this day.
Clearwater County witnessed the arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad provided a more efficient means of transportation for both people and resources, further stimulating economic activities and allowing for easier access to the county's natural resources.
With its rich mining, logging, and railroad history, Clearwater County offers a glimpse into Idaho's vibrant past. Today, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a blend of urban and rural communities that continue to thrive amidst its historical backdrop.
Clearwater County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clearwater County, Idaho.
- 1902: Clearwater County is established on February 27 as a part of Shoshone County.
- 1911: Clearwater County becomes an independent county on January 24.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hits, leading to a decline in mining activity in the county.
- 1940s: World War II brings economic recovery with the demand for resources.
- 1950s: The construction of Dworshak Dam on the North Fork of the Clearwater River begins.
- 1973: Dworshak Dam is completed, becoming the tallest straight-axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere.
- 1980s: The decline of the timber industry impacts the county's economy.
- 1994: The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act designates parts of the Lochsa and Selway rivers within the county.
- 2000s: Efforts to diversify the economy include promoting tourism and outdoor activities.
- 2018: Clearwater County celebrates its centennial.