National Register Listing

Wayne United States Post Office

a.k.a. WY05-306

120 Pearl St., Wayne, NE
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
  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 architecture 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
Wayne County, Nebraska is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Omaha and Ponca, who used the land for hunting and farming.

In 1869, the first permanent settlement was established in Wayne County by European American settlers. The county was officially organized in 1871 and named after Revolutionary War general "Mad" Anthony Wayne. The new settlers built farms, schools, and churches, and the county quickly grew and prospered.

During the late 19th century, Wayne County experienced a boom in agriculture, particularly in wheat production. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further boosted the county's economic growth, as it provided a means of transport for agricultural goods. This period also saw the establishment of businesses, banks, and other services in the county's towns, including Wayne, the county seat, and Winside.

The 20th century brought further advancements to Wayne County. As technology improved, farming methods became more efficient, leading to increased productivity in the agricultural sector. The county also saw the growth of its education system, with the establishment of Wayne State College in the early 20th century, which remains a reputable institution to this day. Wayne County continues to thrive as a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural base, while also embracing modern developments and striving for a prosperous future.

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

  • 1856 - Wayne County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1872 - The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway reaches Wayne County, bringing increased transportation and economic opportunities.
  • 1883 - Wayne, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1897 - Wayne State College is founded as a teacher training school.
  • 1920 - Wayne County experiences a boom in agriculture, with many farms being established and agricultural production increasing.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression hits Wayne County, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1971 - Wayne State College is granted university status and becomes Wayne State University.
  • 1997 - Wayne County celebrates its 150th anniversary with various events and activities.
  • 2010 - Wayne County's population reaches its peak at 9,595 residents.
  • 2021 - Wayne County continues to thrive as a center for education, agriculture, and community development.