National Register Listing

Lancaster Post Office

236 W. Maple St., Lancaster, WI
Local significance of the building:
Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  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.

art post office
Wisconsin was the first state in the United States to provide workers' compensation for injured workers, in 1911.
Wisconsin random facts
Grant County, Wisconsin has a rich and varied history that dates back to Native American settlements thousands of years ago. The area was inhabited by several tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Sioux, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their survival. European explorers, including French trappers and traders, arrived in the late 17th century, establishing a fur trading network that connected the region to the global economy.

In the 1820s, the US government began to forcibly remove Native American tribes from the area, opening up the land for settlement. Grant County was officially organized in 1836, named after President Ulysses S. Grant. The county quickly became a popular destination for immigrants, particularly European settlers, who were drawn to the region's fertile farmland.

The 19th century was a period of rapid growth and development for Grant County, as towns and trading posts sprouted up across the region. Platteville, one of the county's largest cities, became a center for lead mining and trading. The discovery of lead deposits in the area led to a mining boom, attracting thousands of settlers in search of opportunities and wealth.

Over time, Grant County transitioned from an economy based on mining and agriculture to a more diversified one. Today, the county is known for its thriving industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Scenic beauty, historical sites, and recreational opportunities also make Grant County a popular tourist destination. With a rich heritage and a vibrant present, Grant County continues to be an integral part of Wisconsin's history and economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Grant County, Wisconsin.

  • 1836 - Grant County established
  • 1838 - First settlers arrived
  • 1839 - First post office established in Cassville
  • 1840 - Lancaster becomes the county seat
  • 1844 - First courthouse built in Lancaster
  • 1850 - Population reaches 12,000
  • 1861-1865 - American Civil War; many residents serve in the Union Army
  • 1869 - Completion of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad
  • 1874 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River finished
  • 1900 - Population peaks at around 42,000
  • 1930-1940 - Decrease in population due to the Great Depression and World War II
  • 1968 - Grant County Historical Society established
  • 1988 - The Twining Ford Bridge, a historic bridge, is added to the National Register of Historic Places