National Register Listing

North Platte US Post Office and Federal Building

a.k.a. LN06-038

416 N. Jeffers St., North Platte, NE
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
  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.

architecture 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
Lincoln County, Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to its settlement in the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Pawnee and Sioux, who relied on the land for sustenance and trade. However, with the arrival of European settlers, the region's history took a new turn.

In the late 1860s, the construction of the transcontinental railroad through the county played a vital role in its development. The town of North Platte quickly became a major hub with the establishment of a railroad station and various supporting industries. This led to a significant population boom, as migrants flocked to the area seeking new opportunities and resources.

During World War II, Lincoln County played a crucial role in the war effort. The North Platte Canteen gained national recognition for its efforts in welcoming and providing support to millions of soldiers traveling through the town by train. Volunteers from the community worked tirelessly to offer companionship, food, and entertainment to boost the morale of the servicemen, leaving a lasting legacy of patriotism and community spirit.

Over the years, Lincoln County has also been known for its agricultural heritage. The fertile plains of the county have provided a favorable environment for farming and ranching. Cattle ranching has been a prominent industry, and the county's annual Buffalo Bill Rodeo has become a celebrated event, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Despite the many changes and challenges faced over time, Lincoln County has maintained a strong sense of community, preserving its history while embracing opportunities for growth and progress. Today, the county continues to thrive, offering a blend of historical significance, cultural diversity, and natural beauty for its residents and visitors to enjoy.

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

  • 1859 - Lincoln County is established.
  • 1860 - The first settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1866 - North Platte becomes the county seat.
  • 1871 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches North Platte.
  • 1881 - The Buffalo Bill Dam is completed, providing irrigation for the area.
  • 1893 - Cody, Nebraska is incorporated as a city.
  • 1927 - U.S. Route 30 is designated as the Lincoln Highway through Lincoln County.
  • 1936 - The North Platte Regional Airport is established.
  • 1958 - Construction of the Interstate 80 begins in Lincoln County.
  • 1971 - The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is opened in North Platte.