National Register Listing

US Post Office-Langdon

a.k.a. Langdon Post Office

323 Eighth Ave., Langdon, ND
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Art; Economics; Politics/government; Architecture

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.

community planning and development art economics politics government architecture post office
North Dakota has a rich tradition of rodeo and cowboy culture. The state is home to several major rodeo events, including the famous "Dakota Thunder" rodeo, which takes place each year in Minot.
North Dakota random facts
Cavalier County, located in the northeastern region of North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Indigenous tribes, including the Dakota Sioux, before European explorers and settlers arrived. The first recorded Euro-American presence in the region occurred in the 1840s, when fur traders established trading posts along the Pembina River.

In 1873, Cavalier County was officially organized and named after Charles Cavileer, an early settler and prominent figure in the region. The county's development was greatly influenced by agriculture and the expansion of the railroad in the late 19th century. The fertile soil, coupled with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, attracted many immigrants, primarily from Scandinavia and Germany, who sought opportunities in farming and homesteading.

The early 20th century marked a period of economic growth and development in Cavalier County. The county became a hub for agriculture, with wheat, barley, and livestock becoming major industries. The prosperous farming communities and small towns began to flourish, establishing schools, churches, and other essential community institutions.

The county faced its fair share of challenges in the 20th century, including the impacts of both World Wars, the Great Depression, and the agricultural crisis of the 1980s. Despite these setbacks, Cavalier County has remained resilient and continues to be an important agricultural region of North Dakota. Today, it remains a close-knit community, preserving its heritage and embracing the modern advancements that contribute to its continued growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cavalier County, North Dakota.

  • 1904 - Cavalier County is established on January 4.
  • 1906 - The town of Langdon is incorporated on July 11.
  • 1910 - The census records a population of 12,032 in the county.
  • 1920 - The Cavalier County Courthouse is constructed in Langdon.
  • 1936 - The Langdon Milling Company elevator is built, becoming the world's largest wooden structure.
  • 1979 - The city of Langdon is hit by a devastating tornado on June 17.
  • 1985 - The Langdon Research Extension Center is established by the North Dakota State University.
  • 1991 - The WPA Post Office in Langdon is added to the National Register of Historic Places.