National Register Listing

Post Office

Main and 3rd Sts., Christine, ND
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
  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.

post office
North Dakota was the first state to establish a state-owned bank, the Bank of North Dakota, in 1919. The bank was created to promote economic development in the state and has since become a model for other states looking to establish similar institutions.
North Dakota random facts
Richland County, located in North Dakota, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the late 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux and the Mandan, who relied on the fertile land along the Red River for sustenance. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s, the dynamics of the region began to change.

The county was formally organized in 1873 and named after the wealth of rich soil found in the area. The primary economic activity at the time was agriculture, with settlers cultivating wheat, corn, and other crops. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the 1880s further boosted the county's growth, providing a vital transportation link for farmers to access new markets.

In the early 20th century, Richland County faced its fair share of challenges. The devastating floods of 1910 and 1950 caused considerable damage to the area, leading to the implementation of flood control measures and the construction of dams along the Red River. These efforts have helped to reduce the impact of future flooding and protect the county's infrastructure.

Today, Richland County remains primarily an agricultural community, with farming and livestock production playing a crucial role in the local economy. Over the years, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. Richland County continues to embrace its heritage while adapting to the modern challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richland County, North Dakota.

  • 1873 - Richland County is established in Dakota Territory.
  • 1879 - Wahpeton becomes the county seat.
  • 1881 - First post office opens in Dwight, which later becomes part of Wahpeton.
  • 1883 - The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches the county.
  • 1898 - Wahpeton State Normal School (now known as North Dakota State College of Science) is established.
  • 1914 - The Casselton-Wahpeton rural telephone line is established.
  • 1931 - The Richland County Courthouse, located in Wahpeton, is completed.
  • 1950s - Richland County experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and industrial growth.
  • 1988 - The Richland County Museum is established in Wahpeton.
  • 2002 - The Red River Bridge, connecting Wahpeton and Breckenridge, Minnesota, is opened.