US Post Office and Federal Building-Wichita
a.k.a. Wichita United States Post Office and Federal Building;Feder
401 N. Market, Wichita, 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 is known as the "Wheat State" and is a major producer of wheat, as well as other crops like corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
In 1867, Sedgwick County was officially established, named after John Sedgwick, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. The county quickly grew and developed as a thriving agricultural community, with wheat becoming the primary crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further accelerated the county's growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.
The early 20th century brought significant changes to Sedgwick County. The city of Wichita, located within the county, experienced an economic boom due to the oil industry and the emergence of aircraft manufacturing. Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet, among others, established their headquarters or manufacturing facilities in Wichita, earning the city the nickname "Air Capital of the World."
Throughout the 20th century, Sedgwick County continued to grow and diversify. Today, it is the largest county in Kansas in terms of population. Along with its strong agricultural roots, the county has a diverse economy that includes aerospace, healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Sedgwick County also offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, such as museums, parks, and annual events like the Wichita Riverfest.
Sedgwick County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sedgwick County, Kansas.
- 1867 - Sedgwick County is established by the Kansas State Legislature.
- 1870 - Wichita, the county seat, becomes a major cattle town due to the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway.
- 1873 - The county's first courthouse is built in Wichita.
- 1880 - The population of Sedgwick County reaches around 18,000.
- 1900 - Exploration and drilling for oil begins, leading to the discovery of oil fields in the county.
- 1914 - Henry J. Allen, a former governor of Kansas, establishes the Industrial Survey of Wichita, laying the foundation for the city's industrial growth.
- 1917 - The United States enters World War I, and Wichita becomes a major aviation center with the establishment of aircraft manufacturing plants.
- 1925 - The Wichita Municipal Airport, later known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, opens.
- 1951 - McConnell Air Force Base is established in Sedgwick County.
- 1963 - The Sedgwick County Zoo opens in Wichita.
- 1976 - The Century II Convention Center is completed in downtown Wichita.
- 1989 - The Exploration Place, a science and discovery center, opens on the banks of the Arkansas River in Wichita.
- 1991 - Intrust Bank Arena, a multipurpose entertainment venue, opens in downtown Wichita.