US Post Office-Truth or Consequences Main
a.k.a. Truth or Consequences Main Post Office;Hot Springs Post Offi
400 Main St., Truth or Consequences, 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 first European to visit what is now New Mexico was likely Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish explorer who traveled through the region in the early 16th century. However, it was not until the arrival of Juan de Oñate in 1598 that the Spanish established a permanent settlement in the area.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, seeking new territories to claim for Spain. They established missions and made contact with the local tribes, bringing Catholicism and European traditions to the region. During this time, silver mining became a significant industry in Sierra County, as explorers discovered abundant mineral deposits in the area. This brought an influx of settlers and led to the establishment of several mining towns, including Kingston and Chloride.
During the 19th century, Sierra County experienced significant growth and development due to the expanding railroad network. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad extended its tracks into the area, leading to increased trade and economic prosperity. The town of Truth or Consequences (originally named Hot Springs) became a popular destination for tourists seeking the restorative properties of the local hot springs. The health resort industry boomed, drawing visitors from all over the country.
In the 20th century, Sierra County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression and shifting industries. Mineral extraction and tourism declined, leading to economic hardship for the area. However, the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande in the 1930s brought major changes to the county. This irrigation project provided water for agriculture and recreation, transforming Sierra County into an agricultural hub and creating the Elephant Butte Reservoir, a popular spot for boating and fishing. Today, Sierra County continues to be an important agricultural and recreational region in New Mexico, showcasing its diverse history and natural beauty.
Sierra County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sierra County, New Mexico.
- Prehistory - Evidence of ancestral Puebloan and Mogollon cultures
- 16th Century - Exploration and colonization by Spanish conquistadors
- 1821 - Mexican Independence from Spain
- 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends Mexican-American War, Sierra County becomes part of the United States
- 1850 - New Mexico Territory established, Sierra County falls within its borders
- 1882 - Elephant Butte Dam construction begins
- 1916 - Elephant Butte Dam completed, creating Elephant Butte Reservoir
- 1933 - Caballo Dam construction begins
- 1938 - Caballo Dam completed, forming Caballo Reservoir
- 1958 - Spaceport America founded in Sierra County
- Today - Sierra County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and the Spaceport America facility