US Post Office and Immigration Station-Nogales Main
a.k.a. Nogales Main Post Office and Immigration Station;Nogales Mai
Hudgin St. and Morley Ave., Nogales, AZ Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
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.
During the 19th century, Santa Cruz County became a significant part of the Arizona Territory. In the 1840s, the area saw an influx of American settlers during the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Gadsden Purchase in 1854. The arrival of miners, ranchers, and farmers contributed to the growth of towns like Tubac, founded in 1752 and one of the oldest settlements in Arizona.
By the late 1800s, the region was seeing rapid development, particularly driven by mining activities. The discovery of valuable minerals, such as gold, silver, and copper, attracted prospectors from across the country. Bisbee, a famous mining town, boomed during this time and became one of the largest cities in Arizona with a population of over 20,000 people.
In the modern era, Santa Cruz County continues to thrive. Its location along the US-Mexico border shapes its unique character. The county is home to several border crossing points, including Nogales, which has historically been a hub of trade and commerce. Today, Santa Cruz County is known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural festivals, and vibrant communities that celebrate its rich history and blend of cultures.
Santa Cruz County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Santa Cruz County, Arizona.
- 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, transferring the region including what would become Santa Cruz County from Mexico to the United States
- 1853 - Santa Cruz County is established as one of the original four counties of the New Mexico Territory
- 1863 - Arizona becomes a separate territory and Santa Cruz County becomes part of the new territory
- 1899 - Nogales is incorporated as a town in Santa Cruz County
- 1901 - The International Border Fence is built in Nogales to separate the US and Mexico
- 1912 - Arizona becomes a state and Santa Cruz County remains part of the new state
- 1933 - Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is established to preserve the historic Spanish presidio and promote cultural tourism in the region
- 1951 - Southern Arizona's first livestock auction takes place in Santa Cruz County
- 1990 - The Arizona wine industry takes hold with the establishment of vineyards and wineries in Santa Cruz County
- 2011 - The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is expanded to protect and restore critical habitat for endangered birds and other wildlife