Medford Post Office
304 S. Main St., Medford, 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.
The deadliest tornado in Wisconsin's history occurred on May 18, 1883, when a tornado swept through the town of Rochester, killing 117 people and injuring more than 200 others.
The rich natural resources in Taylor County, such as timber and fertile soil, attracted settlers looking to exploit these opportunities. Logging became a major industry in the late 1800s, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The logging industry also led to the construction of railroads in the area, which facilitated the transport of timber to other parts of the state.
As the timber resources diminished, agriculture became increasingly important in Taylor County. Dairy farming in particular thrived, and the county became known for its high-quality dairy products. The development of efficient farming techniques and machinery further boosted agricultural productivity in the county.
In the 20th century, Taylor County experienced significant changes as it became more industrialized. The decline of the logging industry led to the establishment of paper mills, which became a major source of employment for the local population. Other industries, such as manufacturing and food processing, also flourished.
Today, Taylor County remains a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit communities. It continues to be a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, while also preserving its rich history and natural resources.
Taylor County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Wisconsin.
- 1845: Taylor County is established as an original county in the state of Wisconsin.
- 1867: Medford, the county seat of Taylor County, is incorporated as a village.
- 1881: The first railroad, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, reaches Taylor County.
- 1885: The Chequamegon National Forest is established, covering parts of Taylor County.
- 1891: Taylor County's first courthouse is built in Medford.
- 1920s: The St. Croix Tavern, a rustic bar and dance hall, becomes a popular entertainment destination in Taylor County.
- 1933: The Taylor County Fair begins, becoming an annual tradition.
- 1950s: Taylor County experiences a significant growth in agriculture, with dairy farming and crop production becoming primary industries.
- 1960s: The construction of the Medford Dam and the formation of the Medford Flowage create a recreational area for fishing and boating.
- 1990s: The Taylor County Historical Society is established, preserving and promoting the county's history.
- 2002: The Pershing Wildlife Area is established, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species in Taylor County.
- 2010: The Taylor County Population Center is determined to be the unincorporated community of Rib Lake.