US Post Office-Kemmerer Main
Sapphire Ave. and Cedar St., Kemmerer, WY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
In the early 19th century, fur trappers and traders began to explore the area. In 1848, the California Gold Rush attracted many people to the region, including prospectors who traveled through Lincoln County in search of fortune. The Oregon Trail, an important route for pioneers heading west, also passed through the county during this time.
The establishment of Fort Bridger in 1843 brought more settlers to the area, as it served as a major trading post and military outpost. During the mid-19th century, conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers escalated, leading to the Wyoming Indian Wars. The area around Lincoln County witnessed several battles and skirmishes between Native Americans and the U.S. Army.
The discovery of rich coal deposits in the late 19th century led to a boom in the county's economy. Towns such as Kemmerer and Cokeville were founded as mining communities, attracting workers and their families. The coal industry remained a significant part of Lincoln County's economy for many years, but declined in the late 20th century.
Today, Lincoln County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities. While traces of its history can still be found, the county has evolved into a diverse and dynamic area, attracting visitors and residents alike with its natural beauty and small-town charm.
Lincoln County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lincoln County, Wyoming.
- 1869 - Lincoln County is established by the Wyoming Territorial Legislature.
- 1873 - The county seat is designated as Kemmerer.
- 1880 - Coal mining starts in the area, leading to increased population and economic growth.
- 1949 - The Fossil Butte National Monument is established in Lincoln County.
- 1963 - The Lincoln County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is built in Kemmerer.
- 2001 - Lincoln County celebrates its 130th anniversary.
- 2010 - The population of Lincoln County is recorded at nearly 18,000.