Federal Building and US Post Office-Owensboro
a.k.a. DOAB 58
5th and Frederica, Owensboro, KY 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.
In 1937, the town of Maysville, Kentucky, became the site of the first public works project built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program.
The county grew rapidly during the early years, with the construction of roads and the development of agriculture. In the mid-1800s, the construction of the Owensboro and Nashville Railroad brought further growth to the county, facilitating the transportation of goods and people. Owensboro, the county seat, became a thriving center for trade and commerce.
Daviess County played a significant role in the Civil War, as it was located on the border between the Union and the Confederacy. The county was primarily pro-Union, but there were sympathizers for the Confederacy as well. A number of skirmishes took place in the area, with bands of guerilla fighters causing disruptions throughout the war.
In the 20th century, Daviess County continued to develop economically and became known for its manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of tobacco products. Owensboro became a hub for tobacco processing plants and cigarette manufacturing. The county also experienced growth in other sectors, such as education and healthcare, with the establishment of the Owensboro Medical Health System and the opening of Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Today, Daviess County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a thriving economy. It continues to be known for its agricultural industry, as well as its contributions to the manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. The county's rich history is evident in its historical landmarks, museums, and annual events that celebrate its heritage.
Daviess County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Daviess County, Kentucky.
- 1799: Daviess County, Kentucky is established.
- 1815: The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Owensboro.
- 1825: The Owensboro and Nashville Railroad is authorized, opening up transportation opportunities in the area.
- 1837: The county's first bank, Daviess County Bank, is established in Owensboro.
- 1861-1865: Daviess County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many joining the Union Army.
- 1873: The Owensboro City School District is created.
- 1889: Owensboro becomes the county seat of Daviess County.
- 1920: The first commercial airfield, Owensboro Municipal Airport, opens in Daviess County.
- 1937: The Ohio River flood destroys much of Owensboro, leading to extensive reconstruction efforts.
- 1954: The Glover H. Cary Bridge, connecting Owensboro and Spencer County, Indiana, is completed.
- 1969: The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is established in Owensboro.
- 1981: Owensboro hosts the International Bar-B-Q Festival for the first time.
- 2012: The Owensboro Convention Center opens, providing a venue for events and conferences.