United States Post Office
Historical marker location:1933
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 Navajo Code Talkers played a crucial role in World War II: During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers used their native language to transmit coded messages that the Japanese were unable to decipher. The code was never broken, and the Code Talkers are credited with playing a crucial role in helping the US win the war.
In the mid-16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing their presence through the construction of Fort Yuma in 1850. This fort played a pivotal role in the California Gold Rush, as it served as a safe haven for travelers passing through the treacherous Colorado River. Its strategic location also made it a hub for trade and commerce.
During the late 19th century, Yuma County experienced a population boom as prospectors flocked to the area in search of gold and other precious minerals. The town of Yuma quickly developed into a bustling frontier outpost, with saloons, brothels, and other establishments catering to the rough and tumble nature of the time. The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s further fueled growth and connected Yuma County to larger markets.
In the 20th century, Yuma County underwent significant changes with the expansion of agriculture and military presence. The fertile soil and abundant water resources along the Colorado River allowed for the cultivation of crops such as cotton, alfalfa, and fruits and vegetables. Today, Yuma County is known as the "Winter Vegetable Capital of the World," supplying a large portion of the nation's fresh produce during the winter months. The area also became a major military training ground with the establishment of the Yuma Proving Ground during World War II, which remains an important testing site to this day.
Overall, Yuma County's history reflects the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants, from the Native American tribes who first settled the area to the pioneers and soldiers who shaped it into what it is today.
Yuma County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Yuma County, Arizona.
- 1849: Yuma County is established as one of the original four counties of the Arizona Territory.
- 1850: Fort Yuma is established by the United States Army near the present-day town of Yuma.
- 1862: The Yuma Massacre occurs, resulting in the death of approximately 60 inhabitants of Yuma County.
- 1864: Yuma County becomes part of the newly formed Arizona Territory.
- 1870: The construction of the Yuma Territorial Prison begins, which would later become a famous historical site.
- 1871: The city of Yuma is incorporated.
- 1877: The first railroad bridge across the Colorado River is completed, connecting Yuma County to California and sparking economic growth.
- 1909: The construction of the Laguna Dam is completed, bringing irrigation and agricultural development to Yuma County.
- 1921: The Yuma Test Branch is established, later known as the Yuma Proving Ground and becoming a major military testing facility.
- 1943: The Yuma Army Airfield is established, later becoming Yuma International Airport and serving as a major aviation hub.
- 1984: The Quechan Casino Resort opens, becoming one of the area's notable attractions.
- 2019: Yuma County celebrates its 170th anniversary as a county.