National Register Listing

US Post Office and Custom House

750 Commercial St., Astoria, OR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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 post office
Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. It was formed over 7,000 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, creating a caldera that filled with water.
Oregon random facts
Clatsop County, located in the northwest corner of Oregon, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by indigenous people, including the Clatsop and Chinook tribes, who thrived on the abundance of fish, game, and natural resources offered by the coastal forests and rivers.

The first European exploration of the area came in the late 18th century, when British explorer Captain James Cook sailed along the coast. However, it was the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806 that brought significant attention to the region. The expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, spent the winter of 1805-1806 near the mouth of the Columbia River, establishing Fort Clatsop as their encampment. The expedition's success in reaching the Pacific Ocean boosted interest in the area for trade and settlement.

In the mid-19th century, Clatsop County experienced rapid growth with the establishment of Astoria in 1811, the first permanent American settlement on the West Coast. Astoria became a major hub for the fur trade, attracting merchants, trappers, and settlers seeking opportunity in the burgeoning Pacific Northwest. The county's economy expanded further with the discovery of gold in nearby California in 1848, as Clatsop County served as a key supply point for prospectors heading south.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Clatsop County, as industries such as logging and fishing became prominent. Fishing, particularly for salmon, played a vital role in the county's economy, with the Columbia River supporting numerous canneries and processing plants. Timber also became a major industry, as vast forests were harvested to meet the demand for lumber. Today, Clatsop County continues to be a popular tourist destination with its scenic coastline, historical landmarks, and vibrant communities that blend a rich heritage with a thriving modern culture.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clatsop County, Oregon.

  • 1805 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition reaches the area now known as Clatsop County.
  • 1806 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition departs the area after spending the winter near present-day Astoria.
  • 1811 - John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company establishes Fort Astoria, the first permanent European-owned settlement in the region.
  • 1813 - Fort Astoria is sold to the British North West Company.
  • 1818 - The United States and Britain sign the Treaty of Joint Occupation, establishing both countries' claims to the Oregon Country.
  • 1821 - The North West Company merges with the Hudson's Bay Company, gaining control of Fort Astoria and the surrounding area.
  • 1846 - The United States and Britain sign the Oregon Treaty, officially establishing the U.S. claim to the Oregon Territory.
  • 1848 - Clatsop County is established as a county in the newly formed Oregon Territory.
  • 1850 - Astoria is incorporated as a city.
  • 1876 - The Clatsop people, a Native American tribe, sign a treaty with the U.S. government, ceding most of their ancestral lands.
  • 1884 - The first railroad line is completed in Clatsop County, connecting Astoria with the rest of Oregon.
  • 1922 - The Columbia River Highway is constructed, improving transportation and tourism in the region.
  • 1989 - The Clatsop County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the area's history.