Doe Bay General Store and Post Office
a.k.a. Doe Bay Village Resort and Retreat
End of County Rd., Doe Bay, Orcas Island, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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 1791, Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza named the islands after himself, calling them the "Archipelago de San Juan." The Spanish presence in the region was short-lived, as the territory was later claimed by the British in the early 1800s. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved competing territorial claims and established the international boundary between the United States and British North America (now Canada) through the islands.
San Juan County experienced a significant boom in the mid-1800s with the discovery of valuable natural resources, including limestone deposits used in the construction of the Washington State Capitol building. The islands saw an influx of settlers, including families of European and Chinese descent, who established farming and fishing communities. The county's economy also relied on the timber industry, with logging operations providing employment and fueling local growth.
The 20th century brought changes to San Juan County, with improved transportation infrastructure connecting the islands to the mainland and the rise of tourism as a major industry. The natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the San Juan Islands attracted visitors from across the country, leading to the development of hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Today, San Juan County thrives as a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant arts and culture scene.
San Juan County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of San Juan County, Washington.
- Pre-1850s: San Juan County is inhabited by the indigenous Coast Salish peoples.
- 1850s: European settlers begin arriving in the San Juan Islands.
- 1873: San Juan County is officially established in Washington Territory.
- 1898: The first lighthouse is built on Lime Kiln Point in San Juan County.
- 1909: San Juan County sees a boom in population as the Rosario Resort opens.
- 1914-1918: San Juan County experiences a decline in population due to World War I.
- 1938: The Friday Harbor Airport is built in San Juan County.
- 1941-1945: San Juan County is affected by World War II, with the military presence increasing.
- 1963: San Juan County becomes a popular destination for tourists and retirees.
- 1996: The San Juan Islands National Monument is established, protecting the natural environment.
- 2013: San Juan County celebrates its 140th anniversary.