First Post Office in Midland
Historical marker location:When first Post Office opened here Jan. 4, 1884, with Charles H. Welch as postmaster, settlers proposed to name the town Midway, because it was halfway between Ft. Worth and El Paso. Finding that another post office in Texas had that name, they chose Midland instead. Site of the first post office was 108 East Missouri, location of main loading dock of the current facility. Postal headquarters moved four times before returning to the original site upon completion of the new federal building (1974). Midland Post Office now serves a region of 32,000 square miles
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.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
The first recorded European exploration in Midland County occurred in the mid-19th century when U.S. Army surveyors visited the area. In the late 1800s, settlers began establishing small ranching communities in the region. However, the true transformation of Midland County came in the early 1900s with the discovery of oil.
Following the discovery of oil, Midland County experienced a significant boom. The oil industry attracted thousands of people seeking fortune and opportunities. Midland became a major hub for oil production and attracted major oil companies. The boom brought rapid growth and development to the region, with infrastructure such as roads, housing, and businesses being built to accommodate the increasing population.
In recent decades, Midland County has continued to thrive as a center for the oil and gas industry. Its favorable geological formations and rich oil reserves have made it one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States. Alongside the oil industry, Midland has diversified its economy with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Today, Midland County is known for its vibrant economy, bustling downtown, and strong sense of community. The county's history of resilience and adaptability has shaped it into a thriving region with a promising future.
Midland County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Midland County, Texas.
- 1885 - Midland County is officially organized.
- 1886 - The first post office in Midland County is established.
- 1890 - The population of Midland County is recorded as 418.
- 1905 - The Moody family discovers oil near Midland, sparking the oil boom in the region.
- 1920 - Midland's population reaches 7,500 due to the oil boom.
- 1927 - The city of Midland is incorporated.
- 1942 - Midland Army Air Field is established as a military training base during World War II.
- 1951 - Midland College is founded.
- 1952 - The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is established in Midland.
- 1990 - The population of Midland County reaches over 90,000.
- 2012 - The George W. Bush Childhood Home is opened as a museum in Midland.