US Post Office-Camas Main
440 NE. Fifth Ave., Camas, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
Mount St. Helens, located in southwestern Washington, erupted on May 18, 1980, causing the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States.
In the 1820s, fur traders and missionaries from the Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Vancouver, a significant trading post and center for exploration in the Pacific Northwest. The fort became a major player in the fur trade, attracting many settlers who moved to the area seeking economic opportunities and new livelihoods.
The 1850s and 1860s marked a period of rapid growth for Clark County, spurred on by the California Gold Rush and the opening of the Oregon Trail. The County was officially established in 1845 and was named after William Clark, one of the leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Towns like Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal grew as centers of commerce and industry, driven by the booming fur trade and the establishment of sawmills and logging camps.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant changes to Clark County. The completion of the railroad in the 1880s facilitated transportation and opened new markets for local industries. Agriculture, logging, and manufacturing played crucial roles in the county's economy, attracting more settlers and immigrants from around the world. The County also became a hub for education and culture with the founding of educational institutions like Clark College and the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.
Today, Clark County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant area. It is home to a growing population, a mix of urban and rural communities, and a diverse economy centered around industries like high-tech manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The county's rich history can still be seen in its historic downtown areas, museums, preserved landmarks, and annual events that celebrate the region's heritage.
Clark County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clark County, Washington.
- In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition explored the area that would later become Clark County.
- In 1844, Fort Vancouver was established as a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company.
- In 1849, the County was created and named after explorer William Clark.
- In 1850, the first County seat was established in Vancouver.
- In 1878, the Great Vancouver Fire devastated the city and led to the adoption of stricter fire codes.
- In 1908, the Bonneville Dam was completed, providing hydroelectric power and facilitating navigation on the Columbia River.
- In 1925, the Interstate Bridge between Vancouver and Portland was constructed, improving transportation between the two cities.
- In 1953, the Interstate 5 freeway was completed, further enhancing transportation infrastructure in the County.
- In 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted, causing significant damage to the County and surrounding areas.
- In 1995, the Clark County Historical Museum was opened to preserve and showcase the area's history.