United States Post Office and Court House
317 1st St., Wausau, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
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 is known as the "Badger State" because of the lead miners who first settled there in the 1820s and 1830s. These miners often lived in tunnels burrowed into hillsides, much like badgers.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of fur traders and lumbermen. The establishment of the Wausau Dam on the Wisconsin River in 1844 paved the way for industrial development, as it provided a reliable source of power for sawmills. This led to the rapid growth of Wausau, the county seat, which soon became a bustling lumber town.
The lumber industry thrived in Marathon County throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area's vast forests supplied the timber that fueled the construction boom in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Lumber barons amassed great fortunes, and the county became known as the "Lumber Capital of the World." However, by the early 20th century, the forests began to dwindle and the industry declined, leading to a shift in the local economy.
Following the decline of the lumber industry, Marathon County diversified its economy and focused on manufacturing and agriculture. Today, the county is home to a range of industries, including paper production, metal fabrication, and food processing. Additionally, the agricultural sector has remained an important part of the local economy, with dairy farming being especially prominent.
Throughout its history, Marathon County has also experienced significant population growth and cultural diversity. The county is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic backgrounds, including German, Polish, and Scandinavian settlements. This has influenced the county's rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated through various events and traditions. Overall, Marathon County's history is marked by a dynamic evolution from its Native American roots to its role as a thriving industrial and agricultural hub in central Wisconsin.
Marathon County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marathon County, Wisconsin.
- 1839: Marathon County is created by the Wisconsin Legislature.
- 1840: The first log cabin is built in what is now the city of Wausau.
- 1850: The first sawmill is constructed along the Wisconsin River.
- 1852: The first school is built in Wausau.
- 1861: Wausau becomes the county seat of Marathon County.
- 1874: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Wausau.
- 1882: The Wisconsin Valley Railroad reaches Wausau, boosting the local economy.
- 1920: Marathon County's population exceeds 50,000 residents.
- 1952: Rib Mountain State Park is established.
- 1962: The first section of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Bridge opens in Wausau.
- 1974: The Marathon County Historical Society is founded.
- 1992: The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum opens in Wausau.
- 2010: The Marathon County Public Library opens its new Wausau headquarters.