US Post Office-Eureka
a.k.a. Eureka United States Post Office
301 N. Oak St., Eureka, 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.
Kansas was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "people of the south wind."
The county was officially established on March 25, 1855, and was named after Alfred B. Greenwood, a prominent lawyer from the neighboring city of Emporia. The first town to be established in the county was Eureka, which quickly became a hub for trade and commerce. The discovery of oil in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth, attracting more settlers and boosting the local economy.
During the early 20th century, Greenwood County saw a period of sustained growth and prosperity. Agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became a major industry in the area, with many farmers establishing successful operations. The county's rich oil reserves also continued to be a significant driver of economic development, with numerous wells being drilled and oil companies setting up operations in the area.
However, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a devastating impact on Greenwood County, as it did on many other parts of the country. The local economy suffered greatly, and many residents struggled to make ends meet. It wasn't until the late 20th century that the economy began to recover, as new industries, such as manufacturing and services, emerged in the area.
Today, Greenwood County is known for its beautiful rural landscapes, friendly communities, and strong sense of community. Its history is still evident in the historic buildings and landmarks that dot the landscape, serving as a reminder of the county's past. With a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage, Greenwood County continues to be a vibrant and thriving part of Kansas.
Greenwood County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Greenwood County, Kansas.
- 1855: Greenwood County is established as an original county with its county seat in present-day Eureka.
- 1857: The first settlers arrive in the area.
- 1873: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches the county, leading to increased immigration and economic development.
- 1875: The city of Hamilton is established and becomes the largest city in the county.
- 1886: A boom in oil production begins, leading to the discovery of several productive oil wells.
- 1893: The county seat is moved from Eureka to the newly established city of Madison.
- 1907: The county experiences a decline in population due to the depletion of oil resources.
- 1951: Oil production in the county experiences a brief revival.
- 1971: Eureka regains its status as the county seat.
- 1989: The county celebrates its 125th anniversary with various events and activities.