National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office, Courthouse and Federal Building

a.k.a. Federal Building

801 I St., Sacramento, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  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.

architecture law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of California.
During World War II, California was home to several important military installations, including Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The state's aircraft manufacturing industry also played a crucial role in the war effort.
California random facts
Sacramento County, located in central California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was populated by Native American tribes, including the Nisenan, Miwok, and Plains Miwok people. They lived off the abundant natural resources in the region, including the Sacramento and American rivers.

In 1808, Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga was the first documented European to visit the area. Then, in 1839, Swiss immigrant John Sutter established a trading post called Sutter's Fort along the American River, attracting settlers to the area. This led to the beginning of Sacramento's transformation from a small outpost to a bustling city.

The California Gold Rush of 1848 further propelled the growth of Sacramento County and the larger Sacramento region. Thousands of gold seekers flocked to the area, turning Sacramento into a booming commercial center. The city's location at the convergence of major rivers made it a key transportation hub for gold miners heading to the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Sacramento County was officially established on February 18, 1850, following California's admission to the United States as a state. The county quickly developed into a political and economic center, becoming the capital of California in 1854. Over the years, Sacramento County has continued to grow, attracting industries such as agriculture, government, and technology. Today, it is home to over 1.5 million people and remains an important cultural and economic hub in northern California.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sacramento County, California.

  • 1839: Sacramento County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1848: Gold is discovered in the American River, leading to the California Gold Rush.
  • 1850: The city of Sacramento becomes the state capital of California.
  • 1856: The first railroad bridge, the Sacramento Valley Railroad Bridge, is built across the American River.
  • 1861: The Central Pacific Railroad, which would later become part of the First Transcontinental Railroad, is founded in Sacramento County.
  • 1879: The Sacramento County Courthouse, known as the Old Sacramento County Courthouse, is completed.
  • 1967: The California State University, Sacramento, is established in Sacramento County.
  • 1974: The Sacramento International Airport is opened in Sacramento County.
  • 2018: The Golden 1 Center, a multi-purpose arena, opens in downtown Sacramento.