Gillette Post Office
a.k.a. Gillette City Hall, Bailey's Bar, Win Kitchen; and Bath Design
301 S. Gillette Ave., Gillette, WY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
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.
Wyoming is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, located in Thermopolis. The hot spring is named "The Big Spring" and produces over 3.6 million gallons of mineral water per day. The water is known for its healing properties and is used for therapeutic purposes.
The first permanent settlement in Campbell County was established in 1868, when Fort Reno was constructed along the Bozeman Trail. The fort served as a crucial supply point for travelers on the trail, which connected the Oregon Trail with the Montana gold fields. However, conflicts with Native American tribes led to the abandonment of Fort Reno just a few years later.
The discovery of coal in the late 19th century brought significant change to Campbell County. Mining operations began to expand, attracting an influx of settlers looking for work and opportunities. The town of Gillette was founded in 1891 as a result of the growing coal industry. Over the years, coal mining became the economic backbone of Campbell County, shaping its development and providing a livelihood for many.
In the 20th century, Campbell County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of railroads and highways improved transportation in the area, facilitating the transport of coal and other goods. The county also became a major hub for energy production, with the development of oil, natural gas, and uranium reserves. Today, Campbell County continues to be a vital contributor to Wyoming's economy, with its abundant natural resources and diverse industries.
Campbell County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Campbell County, Wyoming.
- 1868: Campbell County is established as part of the Dakota Territory.
- 1890: Campbell County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Wyoming.
- 1892: The Burlington Railroad arrives in Campbell County, spurring growth in the area.
- 1911: The town of Gillette is founded, becoming the county seat.
- 1917: Coal mining begins in Campbell County, leading to a period of rapid industrialization.
- 1948: Oil is discovered in the Powder River Basin, further boosting the local economy.
- 1967: Campbell County becomes the largest coal-producing county in Wyoming.
- 1974: The Gillette-Campbell County Airport opens, improving transportation options.
- 2009: Campbell County experiences a boom in population and economic activity due to increased coal mining and oil production.