Federal Building-US Post Office
a.k.a. Independence Museum
123 N. 8th, Indpendence, KS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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.
Amelia Earhart, the famous aviator, was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897.
In 1869, Montgomery County was officially established and named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile land and the new opportunities that the railroad brought. Towns like Independence, Coffeyville, and Caney were founded during this time and became important centers of commerce and industry.
The late 19th century saw significant developments in Montgomery County. Agriculture played a crucial role in the economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1890s brought a boom to the area. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the oil industry became a major source of employment and prosperity.
Montgomery County also witnessed notable events in its history, such as the infamous Coffeyville Raid in 1892. During this bank robbery attempt, the Dalton Gang, notorious outlaws, met their end in a shootout with the local law enforcement. The county has preserved this history through museums and landmarks, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s past.
Today, Montgomery County continues to thrive as a vital part of Kansas. It boasts a diverse economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries contributing to its growth. The county's history remains an integral part of its identity, celebrated and cherished by its residents and visitors alike.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montgomery County, Kansas.
- 1869: Montgomery County organized and named after general Richard Montgomery
- 1870: The first post office was established in the county.
- 1871: The first county fair took place.
- 1872: The first courthouse was built in Independence, the county seat.
- 1877: The first railroad reached Independence, boosting the local economy.
- 1888: A fire destroyed the county courthouse, leading to the construction of a new one.
- 1925: Oil was discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
- 1931: The Montgomery County Historical Society was established.
- 1958: The Montgomery County State Lake was constructed.
- 1973: The Coffeyville Community College was established in Montgomery County.
- 2011: The Montgomery County Action Council was formed to promote economic development.