National Register Listing

US Post Office-O'Neill

a.k.a. HT13-131

204 N. 4th St., O'Neill, 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
Holt County, Nebraska is located in the north-central part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha peoples, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance.

European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with fur traders and trappers venturing into the region. In 1854, the United States government established the Nebraska Territory, and settlers began to migrate to the area. Holt County was officially organized in 1876, named after Joseph Holt, a former Secretary of War under President James Buchanan.

The county experienced a rapid influx of settlers from various ethnic backgrounds, including Germans, Czechs, Irish, and Scandinavians. These settlers brought with them their own cultural traditions and way of life, which influenced the development of the region. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the economy, with farming and ranching taking hold as the primary means of livelihood.

Over the years, Holt County has faced numerous challenges and triumphs. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century opened up markets for agricultural products and facilitated further economic growth. However, the Great Depression and subsequent droughts in the 1930s brought hardships to the region, leading to a decline in population and a shift in farming practices.

Today, Holt County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with farming and ranching being the primary industries. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich soil, and beautiful rolling hills. It also holds a strong sense of community and prides itself on preserving its heritage while embracing modern advancements.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Holt County, Nebraska.

  • Holt County, NE was established on January 26, 1862.
  • The first white settler, James M. Woolworth, arrived in 1861.
  • In 1873, the county seat was moved from Willow Springs to O'Neill.
  • In 1880, the railroad reached Holt County, bringing growth and development.
  • Holt County's first newspaper, the O'Neill Frontier, was published in 1882.
  • The Holt County Courthouse was built in 1886.
  • The Holt County Fair was organized in 1887.
  • In 1919, the Holt County Historical Society was established.
  • The Holt County Historical Museum was founded in 1976.
  • Today, Holt County is known for its agriculture, especially cattle ranching.