National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Federal Building

104 W. Magnolia St., Bellingham, WA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  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.

architecture law courthouses buildings
The Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry system in the United States and the third-largest in the world, with 10 routes and 20 terminals serving communities throughout the Puget Sound region.
Washington random facts
Whatcom County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Lummi, Nooksack, and Semiahmoo tribes. They thrived off the abundant natural resources, such as fish and wildlife, and had a deep connection to the land.

In the 19th century, explorers and traders, such as Captain George Vancouver and Joseph Whidbey, arrived in the area and began to establish trading relationships with the indigenous peoples. The arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region. In 1852, the first permanent settlement, known as Whatcom, was established. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived and established farms, sawmills, and businesses.

The discovery of gold in the Fraser River in neighboring British Columbia in 1858 led to a surge in population as many hopeful miners passed through Whatcom County on their way to the goldfields. This resulted in the rapid growth of towns like Bellingham and Ferndale as supply centers for the miners. However, the gold rush had a disruptive impact on the indigenous populations and led to conflicts and displacement.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Whatcom County became an important center for logging and the timber industry. The opening of rail lines and the establishment of sawmills played a crucial role in the economic development of the region. Today, Whatcom County continues to be a thriving area, with a diverse economy, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage that celebrates its indigenous roots and pioneer history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Whatcom County, Washington.

  • 1852 - The area is first explored by Europeans.
  • 1853 - The settlement of Whatcom is established.
  • 1858 - Whatcom County is created by the Washington Territorial Legislature.
  • 1871 - The establishment of Bellingham, a city within Whatcom County.
  • 1883 - The Great Northern Railway reaches Whatcom County, contributing to its growth.
  • 1903 - Western Washington University is founded in Bellingham.
  • 1960s - The decline of the timber industry leads to economic diversification in the county.
  • 2003 - The creation of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.