National Register Listing

US Post Office-Kelso Main

304 Academy St., Kelso, WA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
  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 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.

art politics government architecture post office
Washington was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, and was admitted as the 42nd state on November 11, 1889.
Washington random facts
Cowlitz County, located in the southwestern part of Washington state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cowlitz, who thrived off the bounty of the surrounding rivers and forests. In the late 18th century, European fur traders and explorers arrived in the region, establishing contact with the native peoples and establishing a fur trade network.

In the mid-19th century, American settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted to the abundant natural resources like timber and fish. The Hudson's Bay Company also had a significant presence in the region, further contributing to the growth and development of the area. In 1854, the Cowlitz County was officially created, named after the Cowlitz tribe. Early industries in the county included logging, fishing, and coal mining.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant changes in Cowlitz County's economy. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1870s brought increased access to markets and facilitated the growth of the timber industry. Lumber mills began to spring up across the county, leading to a period of rapid economic development. In the early 20th century, the construction of dams along the Cowlitz River helped to generate hydroelectric power, driving further industrial growth.

In more recent decades, Cowlitz County has continued to evolve. The decline of the timber industry has led to a diversification of the local economy, with a focus on manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is also home to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, which has a casino and other economic ventures. Today, Cowlitz County remains a vibrant area that combines its rich history with modern industries and a growing community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cowlitz County, Washington.

  • 1845: First recorded exploration of the area by American settlers.
  • 1854: Treaty of Medicine Creek signed, establishing a reservation for local Native American tribes, including the Cowlitz.
  • 1860: George Abernathy settles in the area and establishes a trading post.
  • 1871: Cowlitz County is officially established as a separate county.
  • 1882: The county seat is moved to Kelso.
  • 1905: Mount St. Helens erupts, causing significant damage to the county.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the region.
  • 1980: Mount St. Helens erupts again, causing widespread destruction.
  • 1995: Cowlitz County Historical Museum is established in Kelso.