U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. Federal Building-U.S. Courthouse;Sixth and Holly Building
310 W. 6th St., Medford, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 largest living organism in the world is a fungus in Oregon. The Armillaria ostoyae fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest in eastern Oregon and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old. It is also known as the "Humongous Fungus."
In the mid-1800s, Jackson County experienced a significant influx of settlers during the Oregon Trail migration. Prospectors seeking gold and natural resources also flocked to the area. The discovery of gold near Jacksonville in 1851 led to a gold rush, establishing the town as one of the major hubs in the region. However, as the gold reserves diminished, Jacksonville’s importance waned, and other communities like Medford began to grow.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought rapid development and growth to the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1880s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation in Jackson County. Agriculture became a prominent industry, with orchards, vineyards, and dairy farms flourishing in the fertile valleys. The timber industry also thrived, with vast forests surrounding the county.
Modern-day Jackson County has evolved into a diverse and thriving region. The Great Depression and subsequent changes in the timber industry had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the area adapted and diversified its economy, with a focus on tourism, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The county is now known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and the presence of esteemed institutions like Southern Oregon University.
Overall, Jackson County's history is one of resilience, adaptation, and growth. From its Native American roots to the Oregon Trail migration, gold rush, and subsequent economic changes, the county has continuously adapted to meet the needs of its residents while maintaining its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Oregon.
- 1852 - Jackson County established as a county in the Oregon Territory
- 1853 - First county seat moved to Jacksonville
- 1855 - Construction of the Jacksonville Courthouse completed
- 1884 - Ashland becomes county seat, replacing Jacksonville
- 1920 - First commercial orchard established in Jackson County
- 1943 - Medford officially becomes the county seat
- 1964 - Completion of the Lost Creek Dam on the Rogue River
- 1972 - Creation of the Crater Lake National Park and Preserve
- 1984 - Completion of the Jackson County Expo
- 1991 - Expansion of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport