Historical Marker

Havre Post Office and Courthouse

Historical marker location:
306 3rd Avenue, Havre, Montana
( Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street, on the right on 3rd Avenue.)

  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.

Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress, Jeannette Rankin, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. She was a pacifist and voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.
Montana random facts
Hill County, Montana has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the development and growth of the American West. The area that is now Hill County was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet and Assiniboine tribes, who relied on the land for their sustenance and way of life.

The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes to the region. The establishment of Fort Assinniboine in 1879 by the U.S. Army helped to bolster settlement and protect settlers from conflicts with Native American tribes. The fort served as an important military outpost during the Indian Wars, regularly patrolling the surrounding area.

As more settlers arrived, the town of Havre was founded in 1887 as a bustling railroad hub. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway played a crucial role in the growth of Hill County, connecting the region to the rest of the country and facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

Throughout the 20th century, Hill County continued to develop and diversify its economy. Agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle ranching, became the backbone of the local economy, with farming families shaping the landscape with their hard work and commitment. The discovery of oil in the 1950s brought further economic growth and employment opportunities to the region, bolstering the local economy.

Today, Hill County continues to thrive as a hub of agricultural activity and natural resource development. The county's historical legacy, coupled with its stunning natural landscapes and close-knit communities, make it a unique and fascinating part of Montana's storied past and vibrant present.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hill County, Montana.

  • 1886 - Hill County was established as a county in Montana.
  • 1891 - The county seat of Hill County was established in Havre, Montana.
  • 1904 - The Great Northern Railway extended its line to Havre, leading to increased growth and development in the county.
  • 1915 - The first oil well was drilled in Hill County, leading to the establishment of the oil industry in the area.
  • 1929 - The Hill County Courthouse, a historic landmark, was constructed.
  • 1942 - During World War II, a military airfield was built near Havre, bringing economic opportunities to the county.
  • 1950s - The construction of the Milk River Project and the Fresno Dam provided irrigation for agriculture in Hill County.
  • 1980s - The oil industry experienced a decline, impacting the economy of Hill County.
  • 2000s - Efforts were made to diversify the economy of Hill County, including the development of wind energy projects.