National Register Listing

US Post Office-Hoisington

a.k.a. Hoisington United States Post Office

121 E. 2nd St., Hoisington, KS
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Social History

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 social history post office
The Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka features a famous mural called "Tragic Prelude" by John Steuart Curry, which depicts abolitionist John Brown and other figures from Kansas history.
Kansas random facts
Barton County, located in central Kansas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Cheyenne, who relied on the fertile land for hunting and agriculture. European exploration of the region began in the 18th century, and in the early 19th century, the area became a part of the Santa Fe Trail, an important trading route between Missouri and Santa Fe.

The county's officially recognized history began in 1872, when it was established and named after Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The county quickly developed as settlers arrived, attracted by its abundant natural resources and potential for farming. Agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

Barton County also played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas industry in Kansas. In 1914, the discovery of oil near the town of Great Bend led to an oil boom, attracting numerous oil companies and workers to the area. This led to the growth of towns and the establishment of oil refineries, making the county a major player in the oil industry.

The county's history also includes significant events such as the devastating tornado that hit Great Bend in 1915, causing widespread destruction. However, the community rallied together to rebuild and recover, demonstrating resilience and determination. Today, Barton County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, while preserving its historical heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barton County, Kansas.

  • Barton County was established on February 26, 1867.
  • In 1872, the first settlement was established in the area that would become Great Bend, the county seat.
  • In the late 19th century, the county experienced a population boom due to the expansion of the railroad.
  • In 1918, Camp Funston was established in Barton County as a training facility during World War I.
  • In the 1930s, the county was heavily affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
  • In 1951, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
  • In 1979, the county suffered significant damage from a tornado that struck Great Bend.
  • In recent years, Barton County has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor recreational activities.