National Register Listing

US Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House

W. 904 Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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.

community planning and development architecture law courthouses buildings
The city of Spokane was once known as the "Lilac City" due to the abundance of lilac bushes that were planted in the city's parks and gardens. Today, the city hosts an annual Lilac Festival and parade to celebrate its floral heritage.
Washington random facts
Spokane County, located in the eastern part of Washington state, has a rich and vibrant history. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, particularly the Spokane Tribe, for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In 1807, the area was explored by the North West Company, a prominent fur trading company, led by David Thompson. However, it was not until the mid-1800s when permanent settlements started to form.

In 1871, James N. Glover, an entrepreneur and politician, founded Spokane Falls, which later became Spokane City, the county seat. The initial growth of the city was driven by its strategic location as a transportation hub, serving as a stopover for rail and river transportation. In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold in the region brought a significant influx of settlers and miners, leading to a rapid expansion of the county.

During the early 20th century, Spokane County faced significant challenges and transformations. The Great Spokane Fire of 1889 devastated much of downtown Spokane, leading to a significant rebuilding effort. The development of hydroelectric power in the region also played a crucial role in attracting industries and boosting economic growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Spokane County continued to grow into a major urban center, while also facing social and environmental changes. The county played a significant role in the labor movement, with unions and strikes becoming prevalent in the early 1900s. In recent years, Spokane County has seen continued growth and diversification, with a focus on healthcare, higher education, and outdoor recreation.

Overall, Spokane County's history is marked by the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants, as they navigated through changes in industry, transportation, and social dynamics to make it the thriving community it is today.

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

  • 1810: Spokane County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene tribes.
  • 1829: The area is explored by British fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company.
  • 1853: Washington Territory is created, and Spokane County is established as a part of it.
  • 1871: The city of Spokane is founded.
  • 1881: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches Spokane, leading to rapid growth and development.
  • 1883: Spokane County is officially organized.
  • 1889: Spokane receives electric streetcars, further boosting urbanization.
  • 1892: Spokane experiences a major fire that destroys much of the downtown area.
  • 1902: Expo '74, the World's Fair, is held in Spokane, bringing international attention to the city.
  • 1974: Spokane County welcomes the World's Fair, attracting millions of visitors.
  • 1996: Spokane Valley is incorporated as a city, separating from Spokane County.
  • 2010: Spokane County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2021: Spokane County continues to grow and prosper, with a vibrant economy and diverse communities.