US Post Office-Raymond Main
406 Duryea St., Raymond, 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.
The state's official flag was adopted in 1923 and features a portrait of George Washington in profile, along with the state seal and the words "Washington State".
In the early 19th century, American fur traders established contact with the local tribes, setting the stage for increased influence from outside settlers. The Lewis and Clark expedition, which passed through the region in 1805, played an important role in the exploration and mapping of the area, further sparking interest in the potential of the Pacific Northwest.
The arrival of settlers accelerated in the 1850s, following the establishment of several trading posts and the discovery of gold in nearby areas. Pacific County was officially created in 1851 as one of the original counties of Washington Territory. The county was named after the Pacific Ocean, which borders its western edge, highlighting its strategic coastal location.
As settlers began to establish permanent communities, industries such as logging, fishing, and agriculture became vital to the local economy. The abundance of timber in the area led to the development of logging operations, while the bountiful waters of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rivers provided plentiful fishing opportunities. Agriculture also thrived, with cranberry cultivation becoming a particularly successful and iconic industry in the county.
Today, Pacific County continues to be a picturesque destination that offers stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and a strong connection to its rich past. With a blend of small rural communities and coastal towns, the region remains closely tied to its maritime and logging heritage, while also embracing nature-based tourism and recreational opportunities.
Pacific County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pacific County, Washington.
- 1805 - Pacific County is first explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- 1849 - The area becomes part of Oregon Territory.
- 1851 - Pacific County is officially established as a county of Washington Territory.
- 1852 - The county seat is established in Oysterville.
- 1860 - The town of South Bend is platted.
- 1874 - The county seat is relocated to South Bend.
- 1889 - Pacific County becomes part of the newly established state of Washington.
- 1913 - The first automobile bridge to cross the Willapa River is built.
- 1930 - The Pacific County Courthouse in South Bend is constructed.
- 1942 - During World War II, a Japanese internment camp is established in Pacific County.
- 2010 - Pacific County experiences severe flooding from heavy rains.