National Register Listing

Plymouth Post Office

302 E. Main St., Plymouth, 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
Green Bay is the oldest continuously settled town in Wisconsin, dating back to the early 1600s.
Wisconsin random facts
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ojibwe, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods.

European settlement in the area began in the early 19th century when fur traders and explorers arrived, including the famous French explorer Jean Nicolet. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1830s, with the community of Sheboygan Falls being established in 1836. The early settlers primarily engaged in logging and farming, taking advantage of the fertile land and dense forests in the area.

The 19th century brought significant growth and development to Sheboygan County. The construction of railroads in the 1850s and 1860s greatly improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods and people. The establishment of industries such as ironworks, flour mills, and pottery works further spurred economic growth. Sheboygan, the county seat, became a thriving industrial hub known for manufacturing furniture, shoes, and clothing.

In the 20th century, Sheboygan County continued to thrive as a manufacturing center. The establishment of the Sheboygan Chair Company in the early 1900s cemented the region's reputation as the "Furniture Capital of the World." The mid-century saw a shift in the county's economic focus towards the automotive and electronics industries. Today, Sheboygan County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, while still preserving its rich history and natural beauty.

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

  • 1836: Sheboygan County is established as a separate county in Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1846: The city of Sheboygan is incorporated as a village.
  • 1853: Sheboygan becomes a city.
  • 1872: The Sheboygan County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1890: Sheboygan Harbor is expanded to accommodate larger ships.
  • 1907: The Sheboygan County Fair is first held.
  • 1929: The Great Depression begins, causing significant economic hardship in the county.
  • 1954: The Whistling Straits Golf Course is established.
  • 1964: The Kohler Company begins production of its popular bathroom fixtures in the county.
  • 1995: The John Michael Kohler Arts Center opens in Sheboygan.
  • 2000: The population of Sheboygan County reaches over 115,000.