United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse
a.k.a. Madison Municipal Building
215 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd., Madison, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
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 state's name is derived from the Wisconsin River, which was named by the French traders and explorers who arrived in the area in the 17th century. The river's name is believed to come from the Ojibwe word "meskonsing," which means "it lies red" or "red stone place."
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in what is now Dane County. The first permanent settlement was established in the present-day city of Madison in 1829 by James Duane Doty, who would later become the first territorial governor of Wisconsin. Doty selected the location for its strategic position between the Four Lakes region and the established lead mining communities to the southwest.
In 1836, the Wisconsin Territory was created, and the territorial capital was moved from Belmont to Madison, making it the center of government for the region. The construction of the Wisconsin State Capitol building began in 1837, solidifying Madison's status as the capital of the newly formed state of Wisconsin in 1848.
Throughout the 19th century, Dane County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of railroads in the mid-1800s brought increased transportation and commerce to the region. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a major industry, and the county became known for its production of milk and cheese.
In the 20th century, Dane County continued to grow as the University of Wisconsin-Madison became a prominent educational institution and the state's flagship university. The county also became a center for government, healthcare, and technology, with the establishment of government agencies, hospitals, and tech companies. Today, Dane County is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and thriving economy.
Dane County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dane County, Wisconsin.
- 1836: Dane County is established and named after Nathan Dane, a Massachusetts lawyer.
- 1848: Wisconsin becomes a state, with Madison selected as the capital of both the state and Dane County.
- 1850s: Railroads are built in the county, leading to increased trade and economic growth.
- 1861-1865: Many residents from Dane County serve in the Civil War.
- 1870s: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is established, becoming a major educational institution in the county.
- 1880s: Urbanization and industrialization lead to the growth of Madison's economy.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hits Dane County and the rest of the United States, causing significant economic hardships.
- 1950s-1970s: Urban growth, suburbanization, and the expansion of the University of Wisconsin-Madison contribute to the county's population growth.
- 1992: Construction of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison is completed.
- 2000s: Dane County experiences steady population growth and becomes known for its vibrant arts, culture, and outdoor recreational opportunities.