National Register Listing

US Post Office-Ashland

1645 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  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.

architecture post office
The town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
Kentucky random facts
Boyd County, located in northeastern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived. In the late 1700s, explorers like Daniel Boone explored the region, increasing interest in its potential for settlement.

The county was officially established on December 24, 1860, and was named after Linn Boyd, a politician from Kentucky. Like many areas in Appalachia, Boyd County was predominantly rural and agriculturally focused in its early years. The fertile soil and abundant natural resources attracted settlers, who established small communities and farms throughout the area.

The discovery of natural gas and oil in the late 1800s brought significant economic growth to Boyd County. Companies like the Ashland Oil and Refining Company, now known as Marathon Petroleum Corporation, flourished, attracting workers from far and wide. This led to the expansion of towns like Ashland, the county seat, which became an important transportation and industrial center.

Throughout the 20th century, Boyd County continued to thrive and diversify its economy. The construction of the Bluegrass Army Depot during World War II brought jobs and stability to the region. In recent decades, the county has embraced tourism, with attractions like the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center and the Paramount Arts Center drawing visitors from across the state.

Today, Boyd County remains a vibrant and dynamic community, blending its rich history with a focus on education, healthcare, and industry. The county is known for its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Boyd County, Kentucky.

  • 1860 - Boyd County is established as a county in Kentucky
  • 1872 - Ashland, the county seat of Boyd County, is officially incorporated as a city
  • 1879 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway is completed through Boyd County, boosting the local economy
  • 1899 - The Ashland Iron & Mining Company is founded, becoming a significant employer in the region
  • 1937 - Famed country music singer and songwriter, Billy Ray Cyrus, is born in Flatwoods, Boyd County
  • 1954 - The Ashland Oil Refinery is established, becoming one of the region's largest employers
  • 1968 - The Ohio River flood devastates Boyd County and surrounding areas
  • 1992 - The Paramount Arts Center, a historic theater in Ashland, celebrates its centennial anniversary