National Register Listing

US Post Office-Walla Walla Main

128 N. Second St., Walla Walla, WA
Local significance of the building:
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.

politics government architecture post office
The Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington, was a major production facility for nuclear weapons during World War II and the Cold War. Today, it is the most contaminated nuclear site in the United States and is undergoing a massive cleanup effort.
Washington random facts
Walla Walla County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cayuse, Walla Walla, and Umatilla tribes. European-American settlement began in the early 19th century, when fur traders arrived in the area. The fur traders established a trading post near the present-day site of Walla Walla city.

In the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development with the arrival of missionaries and pioneers. The establishment of the Whitman Mission, led by missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, in 1836, played a significant role in the settlement of the area. The mission provided a vital stop along the Oregon Trail and brought more settlers to Walla Walla County.

During the late 19th century, Walla Walla County experienced an economic boom with the discovery of gold in the nearby Blue Mountains and the establishment of large wheat farms. The agricultural industry thrived, leading to the growth of Walla Walla as a major transportation and trade center in the region. The county became known for its wheat production and gained the nickname "Breadbasket of the Pacific Northwest".

In the 20th century, Walla Walla County continued to thrive, with advancements in irrigation technology and the establishment of vineyards and wineries. The county gained prominence as a wine-producing region and is now known for its award-winning wines. Today, Walla Walla County is a vibrant community, blending its rich history with a thriving agricultural and wine culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and wine enthusiasts alike.

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

  • 1805: The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through the area.
  • 1818: The first trading post is established by the North West Company.
  • 1849: Marcus and Narcissa Whitman establish a mission near present-day Walla Walla.
  • 1855: The Walla Walla Indian Council takes place, resulting in the Walla Walla Treaty.
  • 1862: Walla Walla County is officially established.
  • 1874: The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days is held for the first time.
  • 1906: The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce is founded.
  • 1916: The Washington State Penitentiary is opened in Walla Walla.
  • 1941: Camp Walla Walla is established as an army training center during World War II.
  • 2001: The Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is designated.