US Post Office
a.k.a. U.S. Post Office,Downtown Station
520 Willamette St., Eugene, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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 Oregon State Capitol has a unique feature - a working beehive on its roof. The hive, which was installed in 2010, is home to over 50,000 honeybees and is part of the Capitol's sustainability efforts.
The first European explorers arrived in the area during the early 19th century, with trappers and fur traders venturing into the Willamette Valley. In the 1840s, a pioneer settlement was established near present-day Eugene by Eugene Skinner. This settlement became a center for trading, services, and transportation, eventually evolving into the city of Eugene.
The 1850s brought significant transformations to Lane County with the discovery of gold in the Oregon region, leading to an influx of settlers. As more people arrived, farming and logging became major industries. Agriculture in Lane County produced crops such as wheat, hops, and fruit, while logging contributed to the county's economy by providing timber for construction.
In the late 19th century, transportation in Lane County saw improvements as railroads connected the region to other parts of Oregon. This allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, leading to further growth and development in the county. Over time, Lane County became known for its natural beauty, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to its many recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
Today, Lane County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Oregon. The county's economy has diversified to include manufacturing, technology, and healthcare alongside its traditional agricultural and forestry industries. Lane County's rich history and natural resources have contributed to its growth and made it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Lane County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lane County, Oregon.
- 1851 - Lane County is created on January 13, 1851, as one of the original four districts in the Oregon Territory.
- 1853 - Eugene City is officially incorporated on January 23, 1853.
- 1864 - The University of Oregon is established in Eugene on October 12, 1864.
- 1872 - The first railroad reaches Eugene in 1872.
- 1911 - The McKenzie Pass Highway, a scenic road through the Cascade Mountains, is completed on July 1, 1911.
- 1938 - The Oregon Country Fair, an annual arts and music festival, is first held in Veneta in 1969.
- 1954 - The construction of the Dorena Dam on the Row River is completed in 1954.
- 1970 - The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is established in 1970.
- 1990 - The Hult Center for the Performing Arts opens in Downtown Eugene in 1982.
- 2004 - The Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds undergo a major renovation in 2004.