National Register Listing

US Post Office-Sedro Woolley Main

111 Woodworth St., Sedro Woolley, 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
The Seattle Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, was designed to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes of up to 9.0 magnitude.
Washington random facts
Skagit County, Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest, carries a rich and diverse history shaped by its natural resources, early settlements, and cultural heritage. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Coast Salish tribes, including the Upper Skagit, Swinomish, and Samish. These tribes shared a deep connection to the land, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance.

The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century brought significant changes to the area. The first permanent non-indigenous settlement, La Conner, was established in 1867 by John Conner and has since evolved into a picturesque town with a charming waterfront and vibrant arts community. The fertile soil of Skagit County attracted settlers for farming, leading to the growth of other towns like Mount Vernon and Burlington.

In the late 1800s, the Great Northern Railway's introduction to the county opened up opportunities for trade and transportation, accelerating development and connecting Skagit County to larger markets. Timber became a vital industry, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The county saw a period of rapid growth and urbanization as a result.

The 20th century brought further transformations, with Skagit County becoming a popular tourist destination. Renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, the county is home to numerous national parks and recreation areas, most notably North Cascades National Park and the Skagit Valley Bald Eagle Natural Area. Today, Skagit County continues to thrive, with a strong agricultural presence, flourishing arts scene, and a reputation as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Skagit County, Washington.

  • 1853: Skagit County is established on November 28.
  • 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy.
  • 1883: The town of Mount Vernon is incorporated.
  • 1889: The Great Northern Railway connects Skagit County to the rest of Washington.
  • 1926: The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project brings economic growth to the area.
  • 1930s: Skagit County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression.
  • 1940s: The County experiences a boost in economic activity due to World War II.
  • 1963: The North Cascades National Park is established, preserving the natural beauty of the region.
  • 1970s: Agriculture, including dairy farming and berry cultivation, becomes a major industry.
  • 1995: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival begins, drawing visitors from around the world.
  • 2003: The Skagit River Bridge collapse occurs, leading to significant infrastructure improvements.