U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Old Post Office/Federal Building
W. 1st and Oak Sts., Port Angeles, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
The first Starbucks coffee shop opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1971. Today, the city is known for its vibrant coffee culture and is home to numerous independent coffee shops and roasters.
European exploration of the region began in the late 18th century, with Spanish and British explorers setting foot on the shores of present-day Clallam County. Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy explored the area in 1792, and his encounters with the Klallam people resulted in the name "Clallam" being used to refer to both the county and the tribe. In the early 19th century, American fur traders and settlers arrived in the region, establishing trading posts and laying the foundations for future communities.
The 1850s brought significant changes to Clallam County, as the territory was officially organized and settled by American pioneers. The discovery of gold in the Olympic Mountains further spurred growth and development in the area. The county's economy slowly transformed from one reliant on the fur trade and natural resources to one centered around agriculture and timber.
Throughout the 20th century, Clallam County experienced both challenges and opportunities. The devastating effects of the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry posed significant hardships for the region's residents. However, the county's diverse geography attracted tourists, especially to Olympic National Park, which was established in 1938.
Today, Clallam County remains a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic growth. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship, the county's economy has diversified to include tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The region's historical legacy continues to be celebrated, with museums, heritage sites, and annual events honoring the Klallam people and the pioneers who shaped the county.
Clallam County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clallam County, Washington.
- 1790s - The area now known as Clallam County is inhabited by the indigenous Klallam people.
- 1778 - British explorer Captain James Cook voyages along the coast of Clallam County.
- 1808 - The first European-American, John Jacob Astor's fur trader Robert Gray, arrives in the area.
- 1811-1812 - European-American fur trappers establish a trading post near present-day Port Angeles.
- 1845 - The United States and Britain sign the Oregon Treaty, making the area part of the U.S. territory.
- 1855 - The Klallam people resist encroachment on their lands in the Puget Sound Indian War.
- 1859 - Clallam County is officially established, named after the Klallam people.
- 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire leads to an influx of settlers in Clallam County.
- 1914 - Port Angeles becomes the economic hub of the county with the opening of a major pulp and paper mill.
- 1938 - Olympic National Park is established, protecting a significant portion of Clallam County's natural environment.
- 1980 - Mount St. Helens eruption causes ashfall in Clallam County.
- 1990s - The logging and fishing industries decline, leading to diversification of the county's economy.
- Today - Clallam County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse local economy.