National Register Listing

Fremont Post Office, Old

a.k.a. Designer Secrets;NeHBS #DD05:E-002

605 N. Broad St., Fremont, NE
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
  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.

politics government post office
The Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the United States, standing at 400 feet tall.
Nebraska random facts
Dodge County, Nebraska has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially home to Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha tribes, who relied on the fertile land along the Platte River for agriculture and hunting. In the early 19th century, European settlement began to take place, as fur traders and explorers ventured into the region.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, which opened up the area for homesteading and settlement. Dodge County was established in 1855 and named after Augustus C. Dodge, a U.S. senator from Iowa. The county seat was initially located in Fremont, which quickly grew into a thriving community due to its proximity to the Platte River and the transcontinental railroad.

During the late 19th century, Dodge County experienced a significant influx of immigrants, particularly from Germany, Scandinavia, and Czechoslovakia. These immigrants brought with them their unique cultures and traditions, which helped shape the county's identity. Agriculture became the backbone of the economy, with farming and cattle ranching becoming dominant industries.

In the 20th century, Dodge County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county witnessed advancements in transportation, healthcare, education, and industry. Today, Dodge County remains an important agricultural region, producing a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The county is also known for its manufacturing sector, which includes companies specializing in food processing, machinery, and metals.

Overall, Dodge County's history reflects the perseverance and resilience of the people who have called it home, from the Native American tribes to the pioneers and immigrants who settled the land. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while embracing modern advancements, making it a vibrant and diverse community in Nebraska.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dodge County, Nebraska.

  • 1854 - Dodge County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1856 - The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1857 - Fremont, initially known as "Old Mormon Traders Station," is founded by the Mormons.
  • 1860 - The county seat is moved from Blackbird Hill to Fremont.
  • 1864 - The first courthouse is built in Fremont.
  • 1865 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Fremont, leading to economic growth.
  • 1867 - Dodge County is hit by a devastating grasshopper plague, causing widespread crop destruction.
  • 1881 - Scribner is incorporated as a town in Dodge County.
  • 1902 - The Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad is completed, connecting several cities in Dodge County.
  • 1917-1918 - Dodge County experiences a Spanish flu outbreak, resulting in a significant number of deaths.
  • 1935 - As part of the New Deal programs, the Fremont Municipal Airport is constructed in Fremont.
  • 1950s - The construction of the Dodge County Courthouse is completed in Fremont.
  • 1977 - The Fremont Area Medical Center is established, providing healthcare services to the community.
  • 1996 - A major flood affects Dodge County, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 2004 - The Dodge County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.