National Register Listing

US Post Office-Belleville

a.k.a. Belleville United States Post Office

1119 18th St., Belleville, 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
Republic County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Kansa tribes, who relied on the fertile land for sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s, primarily German and Swedish immigrants, seeking opportunities for farming and homesteading.

In 1860, Republic County was officially organized and named after the Republican River that runs through it. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived and established family farms. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and sorghum being cultivated. The region also developed a strong tradition of livestock farming, particularly in cattle and poultry production.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Republic County saw significant growth in its communities. Towns such as Belleville, Cuba, and Scandia emerged as important trading centers and hubs of social activity. Railroads played a crucial role in the county's development, connecting farmers to markets and bringing in new residents and businesses. Despite the challenges of droughts and economic downturns, the county persevered and continued to thrive.

In the 20th century, Republic County experienced changes in its economic landscape. While agriculture remained a strong sector, new industries emerged, including manufacturing and aerospace. The county became known for its production of aircraft parts, contributing to Kansas' reputation as the "Air Capital of the World."

Today, Republic County continues to be a vibrant and resilient community. Its residents take pride in their agricultural heritage and are actively working to promote economic growth and preserve the county's unique history. With its picturesque landscapes and close-knit communities, Republic County highlights the ongoing spirit of tenacity and progress that has defined its history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Republic County, Kansas.

  • 1854 - The area that would become Republic County is opened for settlement as part of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
  • 1856 - The first settlers arrive in the area, which was then a part of Washington County.
  • 1860 - Republic County is officially organized and named after the Republican River.
  • 1863 - The county seat is established in Belleville.
  • 1870 - The population of Republic County reaches over 7,000 people.
  • 1871 - The Kansas Pacific Railway extends its line through the county, boosting economic growth.
  • 1881 - The Belleville Telescope, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
  • 1887 - The first telephone exchange is established in Belleville.
  • 1920s - Republic County experiences a significant decline in population due to agricultural difficulties and the effects of the Great Depression.
  • 1960s - The county begins to focus on economic development and revitalization efforts.
  • 1999 - The Belleville High Banks, a historic dirt racetrack, is reopened after decades of being closed.
  • 2004 - The Pawnee Indian Museum, a state historic site, is opened to the public.
  • 2017 - Republic County celebrates its 150th anniversary.