Evansville Post Office
a.k.a. Customs House
100 block N.W. 2nd St., Evansville, IN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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 long-distance auto race in the United States was held in Indiana in 1911. The race, called the Indianapolis 500, is still held annually and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The county was officially organized in 1818 and named after Henry Vanderburgh, a judge and prominent political figure in the Indiana Territory. During the 19th century, Vanderburgh County became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal in the 1830s, connecting the county to other regions. This led to increased trade and economic growth, with industries like manufacturing, coal mining, and riverboat navigation flourishing.
Vanderburgh County played a significant role in the Civil War, with several residents volunteering to fight for the Union cause. The county also witnessed the arrival of African American settlers, many of whom were former slaves seeking freedom and opportunities. The African American community made significant contributions to the county's culture and economy.
In the 20th century, Vanderburgh County continued to develop economically and socially. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a boom in the petroleum industry, and the growth of manufacturing and healthcare sectors contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Vanderburgh County is home to the city of Evansville, which serves as its county seat and remains a vibrant center for commerce, education, and culture.
Vanderburgh County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
- January 7, 1818 - Vanderburgh County is established by the Indiana General Assembly.
- 1818-1820 - County population grows slowly as settlers begin to establish farms and businesses in the area.
- 1821 - Evansville, the county seat, is officially laid out and begins to attract more settlers and economic growth.
- 1830 - Vanderburgh County's population reaches over 2,000.
- 1837-1839 - The county experiences rapid growth due to the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, which connects the county to the Great Lakes.
- 1850s - Vanderburgh County becomes an important shipping and manufacturing center, with industries such as brewing, distilling, and tobacco processing.
- 1862-1865 - Vanderburgh County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- Late 1800s - The county sees further growth with the expansion of railroads and the rise of coal mining and oil drilling industries.
- Mid-1900s - Vanderburgh County becomes a center for healthcare, education, and service industries.
- 1970s-present - The county continues to grow and develop, with a focus on urban revitalization and economic diversification.