National Register Listing

US Post Office-Basin Main

402 W. C St., Basin, WY
The Basin Post Office is a well-preserved example of Neo-Classical design and, except for the removal of the original entry portico, is unaltered. Although the building is small and relatively simple in design, it manifests a character of stateliness in its classic proportions and crisp facade detailing. The articulation of the central entry section and detailing of the arched central bay further reinforce this character. The building's floor plan, with its centrally located square lobby, is only one of two such examples of this layout in the west. The square upon which the building is sited was planned by the community as its civic core and also contains the Basin County Courthouse (1918) and City Library that replaced the original Carnegie Library on the same site. Finally, the building was the city's first and only federally constructed post office and, as such, was a major civic event. Construction of the post office took place during the city's most significant period of growth and is the legacy of an era from which expectations of future growth were never realized.
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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.

community planning and development politics government architecture post office
The Oregon Trail, a historic pioneer trail that led to the west coast of the United States, passed through Wyoming. Thousands of settlers used the trail during the mid-1800s.
Wyoming random facts
Big Horn County, Wyoming has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone people. These tribes relied on the region's vast resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European explorers began to venture into the area. The Crow Tribe, known for their expertise in horse breeding, developed a significant trade network with these explorers and fur trappers. This trade helped shape the region's economy and cultural landscape.

In 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad brought significant changes to the area. It led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns, including Basin and Lovell. These towns became centers of agriculture, mining, and ranching, which contributed to the growth and development of Big Horn County.

During the early 20th century, Big Horn County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought economic booms to the region, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s greatly impacted the county's economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.

Today, Big Horn County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to be a place where residents and visitors can explore the area's natural beauty, learn about its history, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Big Horn County, Wyoming.

  • 1875 - Big Horn County is established as part of Wyoming Territory.
  • 1880 - First post office is established in Basin.
  • 1890 - Ranching becomes the primary industry in the area.
  • 1901 - The town of Burlington is incorporated.
  • 1901 - The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad is completed.
  • 1903 - The town of Greybull is established.
  • 1909 - Big Horn County Courthouse is built in Basin.
  • 1951 - The Yellowtail Dam and Reservoir are completed.
  • 1961 - The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is designated.
  • 2010 - Big Horn County has a population of over 11,000 people.