National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

a.k.a. Federal Building/U.S. Post Office-Bell Station

401 W. 18th St., Merced, CA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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.

art politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of California.
The first drive-in movie theater in the world was opened in California in 1933. The theater, called the Drive-In Theatre, was located in Camden, New Jersey. However, the drive-in movie theater became more popular in California and eventually spread across the country.
California random facts
Merced County, located in central California, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yokuts and Miwok people, who thrived on the fertile land along the Merced River. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 18th century brought colonial influence to the area, leading to the establishment of missions and ranchos.

In 1855, Merced County was officially formed, named after the Merced River that flows through it. The discovery of gold in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains brought a booming population, as prospectors and settlers flocked to the area. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with crops such as wheat, barley, and grapes gaining prominence.

The late 19th century marked a significant milestone in Merced County's history with the arrival of the railroad. The Southern Pacific Railroad connected the county with major markets, allowing for increased trade and development. This led to the founding of towns like Merced, Atwater, and Livingston, which quickly grew into thriving communities.

In the 20th century, Merced County experienced further growth and expansion driven by agricultural advancements and the establishment of educational institutions. The University of California, Merced, was founded in 2005, becoming the first research university to be developed in the 21st century in the United States. Today, the county continues to thrive as a thriving agricultural hub and a center for education and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Merced County, California.

  • 1855 - Merced County is established as one of the original counties of California.
  • 1872 - The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches Merced and helps drive agricultural growth in the region.
  • 1873 - Merced becomes the county seat.
  • 1890 - The first irrigation district is established in Merced County, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
  • 1925 - Construction of the Merced Irrigation District begins, providing a reliable water supply for the area.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression causes economic hardships in Merced County.
  • 1941-1945 - Merced County supports the war effort during World War II, with Castle Air Force Base being established.
  • 1960s - The population of Merced County starts to grow due to increased agricultural activity and the establishment of UC Merced.
  • 1993 - UC Merced officially opens, becoming the first new University of California campus in over 25 years.