National Register Listing

US Post Office-Albion

a.k.a. BO02-004

310 W. Church St., Albion, NE
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
  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.

art politics government post office
During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner-of-war camps, which housed German and Italian soldiers.
Nebraska random facts
Boone County, located in Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha tribes, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 1860s brought significant changes to the region.

In 1868, Boone County was officially established by the Nebraska Legislature, named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, the pioneering spirit and determination of the settlers led to the establishment of towns such as Albion, Petersburg, and Primrose.

The development of transportation played a vital role in Boone County's history. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased economic opportunities to the area. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods and people, which in turn boosted agriculture and commerce in the county. The development of railroads also led to the growth of Albion, which became the county seat in 1873.

By the early 20th century, Boone County had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Technology and modernization further transformed the county in the mid-20th century, with the introduction of mechanized farming equipment and improved infrastructure.

Today, Boone County continues to be an important agricultural and rural community in Nebraska. Its history is preserved and celebrated through various museums, historical sites, and annual events, showcasing the enduring spirit and resilience of its early settlers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boone County, Nebraska.

  • 1858 - Boone County is established. It is named after Daniel Boone, a famous American frontiersman.
  • 1871 - Albion becomes the county seat of Boone County.
  • 1872 - The first courthouse is built in Albion.
  • 1880 - The railroad arrives in Boone County, bringing new opportunities for economic growth.
  • 1890 - The population of Boone County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1904 - Boone County Fair is established, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1935 - The Dust Bowl hits Boone County, causing severe drought and soil erosion.
  • 1963 - A new courthouse is built in Albion to replace the old one.
  • 1993 - The Boone County Historical Society is formed to preserve and showcase the county's history.
  • 2010 - The population of Boone County stands at approximately 5,500 residents.