Historical Marker

Flint Store and Post Office

Historical marker location:
Pollock, South Dakota
( Marker is at the intersection of 296th Ave and State Highway 10, on the right when traveling north on 296th Ave.)
Marker installed: 1995

  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.

South Dakota was originally part of the Dakota Territory, which also included present-day North Dakota, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.
South Dakota random facts
Campbell County, SD, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The region initially belonged to the Lakota Sioux tribe, who inhabited the area long before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1800s, fur traders and explorers began venturing into the area, establishing trade routes and temporary settlements.

In the late 1800s, with the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the region experienced a significant influx of settlers. Campbell County was officially established in 1873 and named after John Allen Campbell, the governor of the Dakota Territory at the time. The county quickly grew as more people flocked to the area in search of land for farming and ranching.

The early years of Campbell County were marked by the establishment of small towns, such as Mound City and Herreid, which served as hubs for trade and commerce. The agricultural industry became the backbone of the local economy, with settlers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn, as well as raising livestock.

Throughout the 20th century, Campbell County continued to develop and evolve. The construction of highways and improved infrastructure contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region. Today, the county remains primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in its economy. Its rich history is celebrated and preserved through local museums, historical sites, and community events.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Campbell County, South Dakota.

  • 1890 - Campbell County is established on March 8, 1890.
  • 1891 - The first post office is established in Herreid.
  • 1892 - The county's first courthouse is built in Mound City.
  • 1908 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and Saint Paul Railroad reaches the county.
  • 1927 - Major flooding occurs along the Grand River.
  • 1939 - Electrification of rural areas begins with the creation of the Campbell County Electric Cooperative.
  • 1959 - The Herreid School District is formed.
  • 1972 - Mound City Elementary School is built, replacing several small rural schools.
  • 1997 - Construction of the Grand River Dam is completed.
  • 2007 - A wind farm is established in Campbell County, contributing to renewable energy production.
  • 2010 - The county's population reaches its peak at 1,466 residents.