US Post Office-Burlington
a.k.a. Burlington United States Post Office
107 S. Fourth St., Burlington, KS 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 state flower of Kansas is the sunflower, which is also featured on the state flag and seal.
The county experienced rapid growth in the late 1850s with the establishment of several towns, including Burlington, Waverly, and Lebo. These towns played a significant role in the early development of Coffey County, serving as centers for trade and commerce. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad in the late 1800s.
Coffey County also played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many residents enlisted in the Union Army and fought in various battles, including the Battle of Mine Creek, considered one of the largest cavalry engagements of the war. After the war, the county continued to thrive, and agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat and corn, and raising livestock.
In recent years, Coffey County has focused on developing its tourism industry. The county is home to several attractions, including John Redmond Reservoir, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Spirit of the Flint Hills Nature Center and the Coffey County Historical Museum offer visitors a glimpse into the area's history and natural beauty. Today, Coffey County continues to be a vibrant community, embracing its past while looking toward the future.
Coffey County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Coffey County, Kansas.
- 1855 - Coffey County is established by the Kansas Territory Legislature.
- 1859 - The city of Burlington is founded as the first county seat.
- 1862 - The county seat moves to LeRoy due to concerns of flooding in Burlington.
- 1863 - A courthouse is built in LeRoy to accommodate the county government.
- 1870 - Coffey County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural development.
- 1873 - The city of Gridley is founded and becomes a railroad shipping point.
- 1879 - A new courthouse is constructed in Burlington.
- 1888 - Waverly is established as a coal mining town.
- 1904 - Several towns, including LeRoy, are devastated by a tornado.
- 1909 - The Coffey County Historical Society is organized to preserve the county's history.
- 1935 - The Wolf Creek Dam is constructed for flood control on the Neosho River.
- 1957 - The completion of Wolf Creek Generating Station brings economic growth to the county.
- 2012 - The county celebrates its 150th anniversary with various events and activities.