Prairie Du Chien Post Office
120 S. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
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.
Wisconsin was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was created by the United States in 1787. It later became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805, and then part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
In the mid-19th century, Crawford County experienced a population boom with the arrival of German and Norwegian immigrants. These settlers were drawn to the area by its fertile soil and abundance of timber. Agriculture became the primary industry, and the county quickly developed into a thriving farming community. The county seat, Prairie du Chien, saw significant growth during this time, becoming an important trade and transportation hub for the region.
During the Civil War, Crawford County played a role in supporting the Union cause. Many men from the county enlisted in the Union Army, and local residents organized efforts to provide support to soldiers on the front lines. After the war, the county continued to thrive agriculturally, with dairy farming becoming particularly prominent.
Today, Crawford County remains a picturesque area known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the region's rich history at sites like the Villa Louis Historic Site, which showcases the life of a prominent fur trader, or paddle along the beautiful Mississippi River. The county's farming heritage is still evident in the many family-owned farms and farmers markets that dot the landscape. Overall, Crawford County's history is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its early settlers and continues to shape the county's identity to this day.
Crawford County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Crawford County, Wisconsin.
- 1816 - The area that would become Crawford County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
- 1818 - The area is transferred to the newly formed Wisconsin Territory.
- 1823 - Fort Crawford is established by the United States Army.
- 1825 - The first permanent white settlers arrive in the area.
- 1836 - Crawford County is officially established by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature.
- 1838 - Prairie du Chien becomes the county seat.
- 1849 - The county experiences a population boom due to the California Gold Rush.
- 1851 - The county courthouse is built in Prairie du Chien.
- 1857 - Gays Mills is founded as a logging town.
- 1860s - The county experiences significant population growth and agricultural development.
- 1906 - The county courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
- 1909 - A new courthouse is constructed in Prairie du Chien.
- 1920s - The county's economy shifts from agriculture to manufacturing.
- 1940s-1950s - The construction of the Mississippi River Lock and Dam system brings economic growth.
- Today, Crawford County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational activities, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.