U.S. Post Office-Pullman
SE 245 Paradise St., Pullman, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
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.
The Skagit River in northwestern Washington is home to one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations in the continental United States, with up to 400 eagles gathering there during the peak of the season.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The region was initially explored by fur traders and trappers, and later by surveying teams and missionaries. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, a missionary couple, established a mission near present-day Walla Walla, which played a significant role in the history of Whitman County. However, their attempts to convert local Native Americans and the subsequent conflicts led to the Whitman Massacre in 1847, a pivotal event in the region's history.
As more settlers moved into the area, agriculture became the predominant industry. The fertile Palouse soils proved ideal for wheat farming, and the county quickly became known as the "Grain Palace of the Nation." Railroads were then constructed, further bolstering the county's agricultural productivity and facilitating trade. The establishment of Washington State University in 1890 in what is now Pullman brought further growth and development to Whitman County.
In the 20th century, Whitman County experienced ups and downs tied to economic fluctuations. The great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a significant impact on the county's agricultural sector. However, the construction of dams and irrigation projects in the 1940s brought about improved water management and renewed agricultural growth. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy, with the expansion of Washington State University and an increasing focus on technology and innovation.
Today, Whitman County continues to thrive as a vibrant agricultural and educational hub. Its rich history and cultural heritage remain significant, making it a fascinating destination for visitors and a place of pride for its residents.
Whitman County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Whitman County, Washington.
- 1871 - Whitman County is created by the Washington Territorial Legislature.
- 1872 - The town of Colfax is established as the county seat.
- 1879 - Washington State University (then Washington Agricultural College and School of Science) is established in Pullman.
- 1889 - The Great Fire of Pullman destroys most of the town, but it is quickly rebuilt.
- 1894 - The Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad begins operations, connecting Pullman with the national rail network.
- 1911 - A major flood affects many towns in Whitman County, causing significant damage.
- 1960s - The construction of the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River provides hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities.
- 1970s - The U.S. Highway 195 is expanded to four lanes, improving transportation in the county.
- 1980 - The Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport opens, providing commercial air service.
- 2000s - Washington State University continues to grow and expand its academic programs.