US Post Office-Hebron
a.k.a. TY10-008
145 N. 15th St., Hebron, NE Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.
Nebraska's state motto is "Equality before the law."
In 1867, Thayer County was established and named in honor of Civil War officer John Milton Thayer. The county quickly saw an influx of settlers, primarily of German, Czech, and Scandinavian descent, who brought with them their unique cultures and traditions. Agriculture played a central role in the county's development, with the fertile plains supporting the growth of crops and the establishment of farms.
Throughout its history, Thayer County has experienced both prosperity and challenges. The construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the late 19th century brought economic growth and improved transportation to the area. However, the Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, resulting in widespread unemployment and economic hardship for many residents.
In recent decades, Thayer County has focused on preserving its agricultural heritage and promoting tourism. The county is home to several historical sites and museums that highlight its pioneer past, such as the Thayer County Museum and the Hebron Historic Buildings District. The county also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Thayer County Fair and Germanfest, which celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Today, Thayer County continues to be a vibrant community that embraces its past while looking towards the future.
Thayer County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Thayer County, Nebraska.
- 1856: Thayer County was established, named after the Nebraska Territory's Governor John Milton Thayer.
- 1859: The first settlement was established in the county by William Dwight Brown and his family.
- 1867: The town of Hebron was established as the county seat.
- 1870: Thayer County's population reached 4,644.
- 1872: The first courthouse, a 2-story wooden building, was built in Hebron.
- 1878: The town of Hubbell was founded.
- 1880: The county population increased to 8,310.
- 1909: The current Thayer County Courthouse, a three-story brick structure, was built in Hebron.
- 1920: The county's population peaked at 11,768.
- 1934: The Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp Deshler in Thayer County as part of the New Deal program.
- 1940: The county population declined to 9,766.
- 1960: The county population further declined to 7,714.
- 1973: A railroad line running through the county ceased operations.
- 1980: The county population decreased to 6,688.
- 1990: The county's population reached a low of 5,893.
- 2004: Bruning State Bank, the county's oldest financial institution, celebrated its 125th anniversary.