US Post Office-Portales Main
a.k.a. Portales Main Post Office
116 W. First St., Portales, NM Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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.
The state's landscape is diverse and includes deserts, mountains, and forests. It is home to several national parks and monuments, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the White Sands National Monument.
In 1881, the town of Portales was founded as a stop along the Belen Cut-Off of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The railroad brought new opportunities for trade and commerce, resulting in the rapid growth and development of the town. The county itself was officially established in 1903, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, a champion of western development.
Agriculture has played a crucial role in the county's history and economy, with cotton, peanuts, and feed crops being the mainstay of local farmers. The introduction of irrigation systems in the early 20th century further bolstered agricultural production, allowing for increased crop yields and diversification.
Roosevelt County also has a strong military presence. During World War II, the area was home to several military bases, including the Clovis Army Airfield (now Cannon Air Force Base). The military base brought an influx of personnel, stimulating the local economy and contributing to the county's growth. Today, Cannon Air Force Base continues to be a major employer in the region and an important part of Roosevelt County's history and identity.
Roosevelt County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Roosevelt County, New Mexico.
- 1800s: The area known as Roosevelt County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches.
- 1870s: Settlers began to establish homesteads in the region, attracted by the availability of fertile land and water sources.
- 1903: Roosevelt County was officially created by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature and named after President Theodore Roosevelt.
- 1907: Portales was established as the county seat of Roosevelt County.
- 1928: Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) was founded in Portales, becoming a major educational institution in the county.
- 1942: Cannon Air Force Base was established near Clovis, contributing to the local economy and leading to population growth.
- 1957: The Roosevelt County Farmer's Electric Cooperative was formed, providing electricity to rural areas of the county.
- 1960s: Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming, remained the primary economic activities in the county.
- 1980s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves in Roosevelt County led to increased drilling and extraction activities.
- 2000s: The county saw continued growth and development, with a focus on expanding educational opportunities and attracting new industries.