US Post Office
310 N. Fourth St., Kingman, AZ Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
Arizona has a strong Native American presence: Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the country. Native American culture and traditions continue to play an important role in the state's history and identity.
The first recorded European contact in the area occurred in the 16th century, when Spanish explorers journeyed through the Colorado River. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that the region witnessed significant settlement. Mining became a crucial industry during this period, with the discovery of gold and silver deposits in places such as Cerbat and Chloride. These mining towns attracted a diverse population, including prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs.
In 1864, Mohave County was established, named after the Mohave people who inhabited the area. The county's strategic position along the Colorado River made it an important transportation and trade hub. Steamboats became a common sight, ferrying goods and people along the river. The completion of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in 1883 further boosted the county's growth and development, facilitating the movement of resources and people.
In the 20th century, Mohave County continued to thrive, experiencing population growth and economic diversification. The construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s brought enormous changes to the region, creating Lake Mead and generating electricity. The dam not only provided employment opportunities but also attracted tourists to the area. Today, Mohave County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu, and portions of the Mojave Desert. The county is an increasingly popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and those seeking a peaceful desert lifestyle.
Mohave County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mohave County, Arizona.
- 1864 - Mohave County is established as one of the original four counties of the Arizona Territory.
- 1867 - The county seat is established in Hardyville (now a ghost town).
- 1887 - The county seat is moved to Kingman, which later becomes the largest city in Mohave County.
- 1911 - The famous Oatman gold rush occurs, attracting many prospectors to the area.
- 1938 - Hoover Dam is completed on the Colorado River, bringing economic growth to Mohave County.
- 1947 - Bullhead City is founded, becoming a major city in the county over the years.
- 1963 - Lake Mead National Recreation Area is established, encompassing parts of Mohave County.
- 2000 - The population of Mohave County reaches over 140,000 people.
- 2009 - The Historic Route 66 Museum is opened in Kingman, showcasing the county's connection to the famous highway.