Federal Post Office
a.k.a. Riverside Municpal Museum
3720 Orange St., Riverside, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 Transcontinental Railroad was completed in Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869, but the western terminus of the railroad was actually in Oakland, California. The railroad made it easier and faster to travel across the country, and helped to spur California's economic growth.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 18th century had a significant impact on Riverside County's history. Spanish missionaries established missions in the region, bringing Christianity and agricultural practices. The Spanish rule lasted until the early 19th century, when Mexico gained independence from Spain. The area then became part of Alta California.
In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered in California, sparking the famous Gold Rush. This led to a rapid influx of settlers into Riverside County, as people from all over the world came in search of fortune. Towns such as Riverside and San Jacinto grew rapidly, and agriculture became a major industry in the region.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further development in Riverside County. The construction of railroads connected the region to larger cities like Los Angeles, making it easier for goods and people to move in and out of the area. The county also became known for its citrus industry, with vast orange groves covering the landscape.
In the modern era, Riverside County has grown into a populous and thriving region. It is home to several vibrant cities, including Riverside, Palm Springs, and Temecula. The county continues to be known for its agriculture, but has also diversified its economy with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Today, Riverside County is a popular tourist destination, boasting picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage.
Riverside County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Riverside County, California.
- 1774 - Juan Bautista de Anza leads an expedition through Riverside County
- 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain
- 1824 - Riverside County becomes part of Mexico's Alta California province
- 1848 - California becomes part of the United States after the Mexican-American War
- 1850 - Riverside County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California
- 1870 - The city of Riverside is founded
- 1893 - The Mission Inn, a historic landmark in Riverside, is first opened
- 1942 - The Naval Air Station in Corona is established during World War II
- 1978 - Designated as a "playground of the stars," Palm Springs becomes a popular destination for celebrities
- 1993 - The State Water Project is completed, providing water to Riverside County
- 2010 - Riverside County becomes the fourth-most populous county in California