Historical Marker

Hedrick-Fleming Hall & Post Office

Historical marker location:
7327 West 80th Street, Overland Park, Kansas
( Marker is on 80th Street, 0.2 miles west of Metcalf Avenue, on the left when traveling west.)

Built 1925

  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 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
Johnson County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Osage tribes, who utilized the region for hunting and farming. The first European explorers entered the area in the 18th century, with French and Spanish trappers exploring the Kansas River Valley.

In the early 19th century, American settlers began to arrive in what is now Johnson County. The construction of the Santa Fe Trail in 1822 played a significant role in the county's development, as it became a major transportation route for traders and settlers heading westward. The establishment of the Shawnee Indian Mission in 1830 further solidified the area's growth.

The area saw rapid development and expansion in the mid-1800s, particularly after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. The region became a battleground for the contentious issue of slavery, and Johnson County was a hotbed of violence during the Bleeding Kansas period, with clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces. The county played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves find freedom in the north.

After the Civil War, Johnson County experienced a boom in agriculture, with the growth of wheat, corn, and dairy farming. The expansion of the railroad network further boosted the county's economic development, connecting it to larger markets. In the 20th century, Johnson County became suburbanized, with the growth of towns and cities such as Overland Park and Olathe. Today, the county is known for its thriving economy, excellent schools, and high standard of living, making it a desirable place to live and work.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Johnson County, Kansas.

  • 1825 - Johnson County is established as part of the Shawnee Indian Lands.
  • 1855 - The Kansas Territory is organized and Johnson County becomes a part of it.
  • 1857 - The Town of Olathe is established as the county seat.
  • 1861 - Kansas becomes the 34th state of the United States.
  • 1865 - The First National Bank of Olathe, the county's first bank, is established.
  • 1872 - The Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad reaches Johnson County.
  • 1906 - The Shawnee Indian Methodist Manual Labor School is established in Turner.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, leading Johnson County residents to participate in the war effort.
  • 1920 - The population of Johnson County surpasses 20,000 residents.
  • 1930 - Johnson County Community College is founded.
  • 1955 - The population of Johnson County exceeds 100,000 residents.
  • 1973 - Sprint Corporation (now part of T-Mobile) is founded in Overland Park.
  • 2000 - The population of Johnson County reaches over 450,000 residents.
  • 2016 - Johnson County celebrates its 150th anniversary.