US Post Office-Bremerton Main
602 Pacific Ave., Bremerton, 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.
Washington was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, and was admitted as the 42nd state on November 11, 1889.
In the 18th century, European explorers, including British and Spanish sailors, began to visit the area, followed by American fur traders and explorers. In 1841, the first known European settlement was established at Port Madison by the Hudson's Bay Company. This marked the beginning of increased European presence in the region.
During the mid-19th century, settlers from the eastern parts of the United States started to arrive, drawn by the region's fertile lands and access to the Puget Sound. In 1854, Kitsap County was officially established, named after Chief Kitsap, a Suquamish leader. Port Orchard was designated as the county seat.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth in the area, primarily due to the expansion of the logging and shipbuilding industries. Kitsap County became an important hub for timber production and shipbuilding, playing a vital role in supporting the growth of neighboring Seattle. The construction of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton in 1891 further boosted the local economy and solidified the county's ties with the U.S. Navy.
Today, Kitsap County remains a vibrant and diverse region that offers a blend of urban centers, rural communities, and breathtaking natural beauty. With its strong ties to the naval industry, a robust tourism sector, and a thriving arts and culture scene, the county continues to evolve while embracing its unique history and heritage.
Kitsap County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kitsap County, Washington.
- 1854 - Kitsap County is officially formed as part of Washington Territory
- 1855 - Port Madison Indian Reservation is established on the Kitsap Peninsula
- 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire prompts many residents to move to Kitsap County
- 1900 - Naval Base Kitsap (formerly Puget Sound Naval Shipyard) is established in Bremerton
- 1937 - The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, connecting Kitsap County to Tacoma, is opened
- 1942 - World War II brings increased military presence and economic growth to the area
- 1950 - The Hood Canal Bridge, spanning the Hood Canal, is completed
- 1979 - Kitsap Mall opens as the county's first major shopping center
- 1999 - The Clear Creek Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail, is established
- 2013 - The Suquamish Museum opens, showcasing the history and culture of the Suquamish Tribe