National Register Listing

US Post Office and Courthouse-Globe Main

a.k.a. Globe Post Office and Courthouse;Globe Main Post Office

Hill and Sycamore Sts., Globe, AZ
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
Arizona is a land of magnificent beauty and breathtaking landscapes. It is a place that inspires awe and wonder.
Stewart Udall in The Quiet Crisis
Gila County, AZ has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Tonto Apache and the Western Apache. These tribes relied on hunting, gathering, and agriculture to sustain their communities.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The discovery of gold in 1862 sparked a mining boom, attracting prospectors from all over the country. Towns like Globe and Miami quickly developed as mining centers, and Gila County became a hub of activity.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the expansion of the mining industry in Gila County. Copper mining in particular flourished, with numerous mines opening in the region. The mining boom brought economic prosperity and population growth to the area, leading to the establishment of schools, businesses, and infrastructure.

However, the mining industry went into decline in the mid-20th century, resulting in a population decrease and economic challenges for Gila County. Despite this, the region remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Tonto National Forest and the Salt River. Today, Gila County continues to preserve its cultural heritage and promote economic diversification while embracing its history as a mining center.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gila County, Arizona.

  • 1881 - Gila County is established by the Arizona Territorial Legislature.
  • 1874 - Discovery of silver in Globe leads to a mining boom in the area.
  • 1876 - Globe is founded as a mining camp.
  • 1888 - The railroad reaches Globe, further stimulating the mining industry.
  • 1915 - Construction of Theodore Roosevelt Dam begins on the Salt River, providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
  • 1922 - Completion of Theodore Roosevelt Dam, creating Roosevelt Lake, a popular recreation spot.
  • 1953 - Hayden is established as a planned community for Kennecott Copper Corporation employees.
  • 1989 - Forest fires cause significant damage to parts of Gila County.
  • 2002 - Rodeo-Chediski Fire, one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history, burns over 468,000 acres in Gila County.
  • 2013 - Yarnell Hill Fire claims the lives of 19 firefighters in the vicinity of Yarnell.
Online RSVP, Simplified
  • Start free, set up in minutes
  • Send invites instantly
  • Real-time response analytics
  • Clean, ad-free experience
Create an RSVP event