National Register Listing

US Post Office-Minden

a.k.a. KN04-007

410 N. Minden St., Minden, 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
The Pony Express, a mail delivery service that operated from 1860 to 1861, passed through Nebraska, carrying mail from Missouri to California.
Nebraska random facts
Kearney County is located in the state of Nebraska in the United States, named after General Stephen Watts Kearny. It was initially settled by European Americans in the mid-19th century, primarily of German, Czech, and Scandinavian descent. The area was known for its rich farming land and became a hub for agricultural activities.

In 1871, the county was officially established, carved out of territory from Adams County. Kearney County's economy mainly revolved around agriculture, with the primary crops being corn, wheat, and alfalfa. The county experienced substantial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the expansion of railroads, allowing for the efficient transportation of goods.

Over the years, Kearney County faced hardships and challenges. The early 1930s brought the Great Depression, which severely affected the local economy. However, the county, like the rest of the nation, gradually emerged from the economic downturn with various federal programs and initiatives.

Today, Kearney County is a vibrant agricultural community with a strong focus on sustainable farming practices. The county is also home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, which contributes to the local culture and educational opportunities. From its humble beginnings as a farming community to its present-day importance in Nebraska, Kearney County has thrived and adapted to the changing times while preserving its agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1860: Kearney County established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature
  • 1871: The city of Minden founded as the county seat
  • 1889: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reaches Minden
  • 1905: Kearney County Courthouse built in Minden
  • 1926: The State Bank of Kearney County established
  • 1930: The Kearney County Historical Society founded
  • 1953: Construction of the Harlan County Reservoir begins
  • 1972: The Minden Opera House listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • 1998: The Kearney County Visitor's Center opens
  • 2005: Kearney County celebrates its 145th anniversary