National Register Listing

Vail Post Office, Old

a.k.a. Schley's Store; Vail Post Office & Store; Vail Mercantile & Post Office

13105 E Colossal Cave Rd, Vail, AZ
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  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 commerce transportation post office
Audiobooks about the history of Arizona.
The world's largest solar telescope is located in Arizona: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii, is the largest solar telescope in the world. However, the next largest solar telescope, the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, is located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
Arizona random facts
Pima County, located in southern Arizona, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by Native American cultures for over 4,000 years, with the Hohokam and Tohono O'odham tribes leaving a strong cultural impact. The Hohokam people, known for their vibrant pottery and advanced irrigation systems, dominated the region from around 300 BCE to 1450 CE. The Tohono O'odham people continue to reside in the county today and have maintained many of their traditional customs and traditions.

European exploration began in the late 17th century, with the Spanish establishing Mission San Xavier del Bac in 1692 as part of their efforts to colonize the region. This mission, located in present-day Tucson, still stands as a testament to the Spanish influence in the area. In the early 19th century, the United States acquired this territory as part of the Gadsden Purchase, which also included parts of present-day New Mexico. This marked the beginning of Anglo-American settlement in the county.

Pima County played a significant role in the Western expansion of the United States during the mid-19th century. It served as a transportation corridor during the California Gold Rush, with stagecoach lines and military forts being established along the Tucson-Phoenix route. The county saw the establishment of Fort Lowell in 1866, which provided protection for settlers and travelers in the region. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s further spurred the growth and development of Pima County, connecting it to major cities and fostering economic prosperity.

In the 20th century, Pima County experienced significant growth and urbanization. Tucson, the county seat and largest city, emerged as a major center of industry, commerce, and education. The area's ideal climate and natural beauty also attracted retirees and tourists. Pima County is home to several scenic landmarks, such as Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. Today, Pima County continues to thrive economically, with diverse industries including aerospace, technology, healthcare, and tourism contributing to its success.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pima County, Arizona.

  • 1775: Spanish explorers enter the region, establishing a presidio.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Pima County becomes part of the Mexican territory.
  • 1853: The Gadsden Purchase adds present-day Pima County to the United States.
  • 1864: Pima County is officially established by the Arizona Territorial Legislature.
  • 1877: Tucson, located in Pima County, becomes the state capital of the Arizona Territory.
  • 1912: Arizona becomes the 48th state, and Pima County remains an integral part of it.
  • 1939: The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is established, contributing to the county's economy.
  • 1964: The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is founded in Pima County.
  • 1981: The Pima Air & Space Museum opens, becoming a popular attraction.
  • 2011: The shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson garners national attention.