National Register Listing

US Post Office-Goodland

a.k.a. Goodland United States Post Office

124 E. 11th St., Goodland, 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 famous Dodge City of the Wild West was located in Kansas and was known for its saloons, cowboys, and outlaws.
Kansas random facts
Sherman County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The land was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho, who used the area for hunting and as a vital trading route. In the 1850s, the U.S. government began negotiations with these tribes and eventually forced them to cede their lands, opening the area to settlement by European-American pioneers.

The first permanent settlers arrived in Sherman County in the late 1870s, drawn by the allure of the fertile farmland and vast grasslands. The county was officially established in 1886 and named after General William Tecumseh Sherman, a prominent Union general during the American Civil War. The arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway in the early 1880s greatly accelerated the county's growth, as it provided a reliable transportation network for goods and people.

Agriculture quickly became the primary industry in Sherman County, with wheat being the leading crop. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, attracting numerous settlers who sought to cultivate the land. The population of the county grew steadily, and by the early 20th century, it had become a thriving farming community.

Throughout its history, Sherman County has encountered its fair share of challenges. In the 1930s, the area was heavily affected by the Dust Bowl, a severe drought and wind erosion that devastated agriculture and caused widespread economic hardship. However, the county rebounded in the subsequent years, implementing effective soil conservation methods and diversifying its agricultural practices.

Today, Sherman County remains a predominantly agricultural community, with farming and ranching playing a vital role in its economy. The county has also embraced renewable energy, particularly wind power, as an additional source of income and sustainable development. With its rich history and resilient spirit, Sherman County continues to thrive and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern world.

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

  • 1873 - Sherman County is established as a county in Kansas
  • 1886 - The town of Goodland is founded as the county seat
  • 1902 - Agriculture becomes a major industry in Sherman County
  • 1912 - Sherman County High School is built in Goodland
  • 1930s - The Dust Bowl greatly affects the county's agricultural industry
  • 1936 - The Enlarged Homestead Act encourages settlement in Sherman County
  • 1945 - Sherman County Memorial Hospital is established in Goodland
  • 1961 - The construction of Interstate 70 through Sherman County begins
  • 2010 - The United States Census records a population of 6,010 in Sherman County