National Register Listing

US Post Office-Seneca

a.k.a. Seneca United States Post Office

607 Main St., Seneca, 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 geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Nemaha County, Kansas has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Kansa, Osage, and Pawnee. In 1854, the United States government signed the Treaty of Laramie with these tribes, opening up the land for settlement.

The county was organized in 1855 and named after the Nemaha River, which flows through the region. The early settlers were primarily of European descent, seeking agricultural opportunities and a new way of life. They faced challenges such as harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes, but persevered to establish farms, towns, and communities.

During the Civil War, Nemaha County saw its fair share of turmoil. Kansas was a battleground for the opposing sides, with tensions running high between pro-slavery and abolitionist factions. The county experienced raids and skirmishes, but ultimately remained part of the Union. After the war, the county enjoyed a period of growth and development, with the construction of railroads connecting the area to the rest of the state.

Throughout the 20th century, Nemaha County continued to thrive as agriculture remained the primary industry. The county has been a significant producer of corn, wheat, and livestock. In recent years, the economy has diversified with the addition of manufacturing and services sectors. Today, Nemaha County maintains its rich agricultural heritage while embracing modern advancements and developments.

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

  • 1843 - Nemaha County is established as a county in the Kansas Territory
  • 1854 - Kansas Territory is organized
  • 1855 - Nemaha County is officially organized with Brownville as its first county seat
  • 1860 - Seneca becomes the new county seat
  • 1873 - Railroads are introduced to Nemaha County, leading to increased economic growth
  • 1877 - The City of Sabetha is founded
  • 1900 - The population of Nemaha County reaches its peak, with over 16,000 residents
  • 1933 - The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardships
  • 1951 - The Seneca Army Depot is established, serving as a storage site for military supplies
  • 1965 - Nemaha County Historical Society is founded to preserve local history
  • 1978 - The first official Nemaha County Fair is held
  • 2004 - The Downtown Seneca Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places