U.S. Post Office and Annex
a.k.a. Old Wenatchee Post Office and Annex
Mission and Yakima Sts., Wenatchee, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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.
Washington was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, and was admitted as the 42nd state on November 11, 1889.
The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with fur traders and gold prospectors venturing into the area. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the region led to a significant influx of miners and settlers, marking the start of Chelan County's development.
As the gold rush faded, the economy shifted towards agriculture and timber industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fruit orchards, particularly apple and cherry farms, thrived in the area's fertile valleys, contributing to the county's economic growth.
In the early 20th century, the completion of the Great Northern Railway and the construction of the Rocky Reach Dam brought further development and accessibility to the county. The dam, built on the Columbia River, helped to provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power and facilitated irrigation for the region's agricultural activities.
Today, Chelan County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Cascade Mountains dominating the landscape and the Lake Chelan attracting tourists from around the world. The county has continued to evolve, with a diverse economy encompassing various industries, including tourism, agriculture, and technology. Throughout its history, Chelan County has remained a vibrant and dynamic region, offering a blend of natural wonders and economic opportunities.
Chelan County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chelan County, Washington.
- 1841: The first recorded exploration of the Chelan County area by fur traders.
- 1870: The Wenatchee Valley is opened for settlement, attracting miners and homesteaders.
- 1889: Chelan County is officially established as a county of Washington Territory.
- 1890: The Great Northern Railway reaches the Wenatchee area, spurring further growth.
- 1892: The city of Wenatchee is incorporated.
- 1928: Completion of the Columbia River Bridge connects Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
- 1951: Construction of the Rocky Reach Dam begins, providing hydroelectric power.
- 1961: Completion of the Rocky Reach Dam, boosting the local economy.
- 1964: The Wenatchee Valley College is founded, offering higher education opportunities.
- 2001: The Mission Ridge Ski Area celebrates its 35th anniversary.