Two Rivers Post Office
1516 Eighteenth St., Two Rivers, 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.
In 1933, Wisconsin became the first state in the country to ratify the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition.
European exploration of the area began in the early 17th century when French fur traders and missionaries ventured into the region. The first permanent European settlement in Manitowoc County was established in 1835 by Joseph Vilas, who set up a trading post along the Manitowoc River. The area quickly attracted more settlers, primarily of German and Irish descent, who were drawn to the fertile farmland and opportunities for trade and commerce.
In the mid-19th century, Manitowoc County experienced significant growth and development as the result of its strategic location along Lake Michigan. The opening of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company in 1847 established the county as a major center for shipbuilding and maritime trade. The shipping industry flourished, with vessels being built to transport goods and passengers across the Great Lakes.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Manitowoc County continued to thrive as a manufacturing hub, with industries such as aluminum production, papermaking, and automobile manufacturing contributing to its economic prosperity. The county also played a significant role in World War II, as many of its companies retooled their operations to support the war effort.
Today, Manitowoc County remains an important industrial and agricultural center in Wisconsin. Its rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and cultural events that showcase the contributions and experiences of the diverse communities that have shaped the region over the years.
Manitowoc County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
- 1835 - Treaty of the Cedars opens up the area of Manitowoc County for settlement
- 1836 - The first permanent settler, Louis Marchant, arrives in the area
- 1839 - Manitowoc County is officially organized
- 1848 - Wisconsin becomes a state, and Manitowoc County is incorporated into it
- 1851 - The city of Manitowoc is founded
- 1861-1865 - Manitowoc County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1880s - Industrialization begins in Manitowoc County with the development of shipbuilding and manufacturing industries
- 1892 - Capone family moves to Manitowoc County before eventually relocating to Chicago
- 1900s - Manitowoc County thrives as a manufacturing and agricultural center
- 1954 - The Manitowoc Company, a leading shipbuilding and manufacturing company, is founded
- 2005 - The Netflix documentary series "Making a Murderer" brings international attention to Manitowoc County
- Present - Manitowoc County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of industries, agriculture, and tourism