National Register Listing

Watertown Post Office

26 S. Broadway, Watertown, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
  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
The famous Wild West outlaw, Calamity Jane, lived and worked in South Dakota for a time. She even claimed to have saved the life of legendary gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok in the town of Deadwood.
South Dakota random facts
Codington County, located in the eastern part of South Dakota, has a rich and diverse history. The area that is now Codington County was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and the Yankton Sioux. European settlement began in the mid-19th century when traders and trappers arrived in the region.

The county was officially established on January 8, 1877, and was named after Reverend George S. S. Codington, a missionary who worked with the Native American tribes in the region. The town of Watertown was selected as the county seat. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with settlers cultivating the fertile soil for farming.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further accelerated the development of Codington County. The railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, opening up opportunities for trade and commerce. Watertown, the county seat, became a regional center with the establishment of various businesses and industries.

Over the years, Codington County has experienced economic growth and diversification. In addition to agriculture, industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail have thrived in the county. The county has also focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism, with attractions such as the Bramble Park Zoo and historical sites like the Mellette House.

Today, Codington County continues to be a vibrant and prosperous community, offering a high quality of life for its residents and attracting visitors from near and far. Its rich history, economic opportunities, and natural beauty make it a unique and appealing place to live, work, and explore.

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

  • 1877: Codington County is established in Dakota Territory
  • 1880: Watertown becomes the county seat
  • Late 1800s: Rapid growth from railroad expansion and agriculture
  • Early 1900s: Development of infrastructure, schools, and businesses
  • 1920s-1930s: Challenges with the Great Depression and drought
  • 1960s: Modernization and growth of manufacturing industries
  • Today: Codington County has a diverse economy and a strong sense of community