National Register Listing

US Post Office-Augusta

a.k.a. Augusta United States Post Office

119 E. Fifth St., Augusta, 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 famous abolitionist John Brown made a name for himself in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas era by leading raids against pro-slavery settlers.
Kansas random facts
Butler County, Kansas has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 1850s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kansa peoples, who relied on the region's fertile land and abundant wildlife for survival. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act opened up the area to settlers, leading to an influx of pioneers who sought to establish farming communities.

The county's first permanent settlement, El Dorado, was founded in 1865 and quickly became a regional hub for trade and commerce. The discovery of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries spurred rapid growth in the county. El Dorado became known as the "Oil Capital of Kansas" and attracted numerous oil companies, which brought prosperity and jobs to the area.

During the early 20th century, Butler County experienced a boom in population and agricultural production. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, and a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, and soybeans, were grown in abundance. The agricultural sector became a major economic driver for the county, along with manufacturing and oil production.

In recent decades, Butler County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While agriculture remains a significant industry, the county has seen growth in sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. El Dorado, the county seat, has preserved its historic downtown area and is a center for arts and culture, with numerous museums and events celebrating the county's heritage. Overall, Butler County's history is one of resilience and adaptability, as it has transformed from a frontier settlement to a thriving community with a vibrant economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Butler County, Kansas.

  • 1854 - Butler County is established as a county in the Kansas Territory.
  • 1870 - The first railroad, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, reaches Butler County, boosting the economy.
  • 1871 - El Dorado, the current county seat, is established.
  • 1877 - Oil is discovered in Butler County, leading to a major oil boom.
  • 1925 - El Dorado becomes home to a major oil refining and production center.
  • 1951 - The Kansas State Industrial Reformatory is established in El Dorado.
  • 1953 - Butler County Community College (BCCC) is founded in El Dorado.
  • 2019 - Butler County celebrates its 165th anniversary.