National Register Listing

Waupaca Post Office

306 S. Main St., Waupaca, 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
The famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini spent his early childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin random facts
Waupaca County, located in the state of Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1851. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk nations. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, attracted by the area's abundant natural resources, such as fertile land and waterways. The county takes its name from the Waupaca River, which flows through the region and has played a vital role in its development.

In the mid-19th century, Waupaca County experienced a surge in population and economic growth with the construction of railroads and the establishment of sawmills and other industries. The timber industry became significant, as vast forests covered the region, providing an ample supply of timber for building materials and fuel. Lumberjacks, loggers, and sawmill workers formed an integral part of the county's workforce. The county's rich agricultural land also contributed to its prosperity, and farming became another important industry.

Waupaca County played a role in the Civil War, with many of its residents enlisting in Union forces. The county was also influenced by the abolitionist movement, as local residents actively participated in efforts to end slavery. Following the war, the county continued to grow and develop, with new schools, churches, and businesses being established.

Today, Waupaca County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. The county is known for its scenic natural beauty, with numerous parks, lakes, and recreational areas attracting visitors from near and far. The county seat, the city of Waupaca, serves as a cultural and commercial hub, offering a range of amenities and services to residents and tourists alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Waupaca County, Wisconsin.

  • 1848 - Waupaca County is established as a county in the state of Wisconsin.
  • 1851 - The first permanent settlement, known as Waupaca, is established in the county.
  • 1853 - Waupaca County's first courthouse is built in the town of Mukwa.
  • 1860 - The county's population reaches around 4,000 residents.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Waupaca County serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1874 - The first railroad line is completed in the county, connecting it with other parts of Wisconsin.
  • 1887 - The Waupaca Foundry, a major employer in the area, is established.
  • 1919 - The Wisconsin State Tuberculosis Sanatorium is opened in the county.
  • 1964 - A devastating tornado strikes the city of Weyauwega, causing significant damage.
  • 1986 - The county's population surpasses 50,000 residents.
  • 1992 - The Waupaca County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2004 - The Waupaca Chain O'Lakes is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
  • 2018 - The county celebrates its 170th anniversary since establishment.