US Post Office-Fredonia
a.k.a. Fredonia United States Post Office
428 Madison St., Fredonia, 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.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison, Texas, but grew up in Abilene, Kansas.
In 1865, the county was officially established and named after Colonel Hiero T. Wilson, a Union officer who was killed in the Civil War. The town of Fredonia was selected as the county seat. During this time, the economy of Wilson County was primarily based on agriculture, with farming and livestock raising being the main sources of income for settlers.
The late 19th century saw a boom in coal mining in Wilson County. With the discovery of vast coal deposits, mining operations flourished, attracting immigrants from Europe to work in the mines. This period of economic growth led to the establishment of several new towns, such as Altoona and Buffville, to support the mining industry.
However, the coal mining industry eventually declined in the early 20th century, and Wilson County experienced a shift toward other industries, including oil and gas production, manufacturing, and agriculture. Today, Wilson County is known for its agricultural production, particularly in crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans.
Throughout its history, Wilson County has remained a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its heritage. The county has preserved its historical sites and landmarks, such as the Fredonia Opera House and the Wilson County Historical Society Museum, which provide insights into the region's past.
Wilson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wilson County, Kansas.
- 1854 - Wilson County is established as a county in the Kansas Territory.
- 1861 - Wilson County is officially organized.
- 1867 - The first post office is established in Fredonia, the county seat.
- 1870 - The population of Wilson County reaches 3,276.
- 1871 - The first railroad, Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad, is built in the county.
- 1873 - The town of Neodesha is founded and becomes a railroad junction.
- 1881 - A major flood devastates the county and causes widespread damage.
- 1887 - The town of Altoona is incorporated.
- 1910 - Oil is discovered in Wilson County, leading to an oil boom and economic growth.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Wilson County, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
- 1960s - The county experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 1978 - The Wilson County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
- 2010 - The population of Wilson County is recorded as 9,409.