Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
329 West Main Street, Lead, South Dakota
( Marker is at the intersection of CanAm Highway / West Main Street (U.S. 85) and Stone Street, on the right when traveling north on CanAm Highway / West Main Street.)

  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 Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is home to one of the world's richest fossil beds, containing the remains of ancient horses, rhinoceroses, and other prehistoric animals.
South Dakota random facts
Lawrence County is a county located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. The area later became an important location during the gold rush in the late 19th century. In 1874, General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition to the region, which resulted in the discovery of gold in French Creek. This led to a surge of miners and settlers arriving in the area, thus marking the beginning of a rapid development.

The county was officially established on January 11, 1875, with the city of Deadwood serving as the county seat. Deadwood quickly became a thriving and notorious frontier town, attracting gamblers, outlaws, and pioneers. The city's population rapidly grew, and it soon became a center for mining and commerce. Numerous gold mines were established in the area, producing large amounts of gold and silver.

However, Lawrence County faced its fair share of challenges. In 1876, the county experienced the infamous event known as the "Deadwood Gulch Fire," which resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the town. Despite this setback, Deadwood quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive.

Today, Lawrence County remains an important part of South Dakota's history and economy. It is known for its rich mining heritage and the historic preservation of sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery, which is the final resting place of notable figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The county continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its wild west history and breathtaking landscapes.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lawrence County, South Dakota.

  • 1874: Lawrence County is established, named after John Lawrence, a leading citizen and state legislator.
  • 1876: Gold is discovered in the Black Hills, leading to a gold rush in the area and the establishment of mining towns like Deadwood and Lead.
  • 1877: Deadwood becomes a prominent center for mining and trade, attracting entrepreneurs and notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
  • 1877-1879: The Black Hills are the site of conflicts between Lakota Sioux Native Americans and the United States government, following the discovery of gold on Native American territory.
  • 1883: The Homestake Mine in Lead becomes one of the largest gold mines in the world, attracting thousands of miners and contributing to the growth of Lawrence County.
  • 1889: South Dakota becomes a state, with Lawrence County being one of the original counties.
  • 1892: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins, bringing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists to Lawrence County each year.
  • 20th century: The mining industry experiences periods of growth and decline, impacting the economy and population of Lawrence County.
  • 1976: The Black Hills Flood devastates many communities in Lawrence County, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
  • 21st century: Lawrence County continues to be a hub for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting.