Wickahoney Post Office and Stage Station
Wickahoney Creek, Wickahoney, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 state's first female governor was elected in 1990. Her name was Cecilia M. "Cec" Andrus, and she was the wife of former governor and US Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus.
In the mid-1800s, Owyhee County experienced a significant influx of settlers during the gold rush era. Miners flocked to the area in search of their fortune, and several mining towns were established. Silver City, the most famous of these towns, became the county seat in 1867 and boasted a population of over 2,500 at its peak. The mining industry thrived for several decades, with numerous mines operating throughout the county.
During this period, Owyhee County also played a crucial role in the development of transportation infrastructure in Idaho. The Oregon Trail, a famous wagon route, passed through the county, bringing pioneers and goods from the eastern United States to the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the construction of railroads in the late 1800s improved connectivity and facilitated the movement of people and resources.
Over time, as the gold and silver mines depleted, Owyhee County underwent economic transformations. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became an important industry. Irrigation projects were initiated, allowing the county's arid landscape to flourish. In recent years, Owyhee County has also become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in its scenic natural areas.
Today, Owyhee County maintains a strong connection to its past, with historical sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its rich heritage. The county's unique blend of Native American, mining, and agricultural history makes it a captivating place to explore the roots of Idaho's development.
Owyhee County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Owyhee County, Idaho.
- 1863 - Owyhee County is established by the Idaho Territorial Legislature.
- 1864 - The first newspaper in the county, called the "Owyhee Avalanche," is published.
- 1869 - The first courthouse in the county is constructed in Silver City.
- 1879 - The railroad arrives in Silver City, boosting economic development in the area.
- 1898 - The county seat is moved from Silver City to Murphy.
- 1905 - The Homedale irrigation project is completed, providing water for agricultural development.
- 1912 - The town of Bruneau is incorporated.
- 1925 - The Bruneau Dunes State Park is established, featuring the highest sand dunes in North America.
- 1933 - The Duck Valley Indian Reservation is established on the Idaho-Nevada border.
- 1941 - The Duck Valley Indian Reservation becomes home to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.
- 1979 - Owyhee County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
- 2008 - The BLM Owyhee Field Office is established to manage public lands in the area.