National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Main Post Office

NE corner of 7th and Mission Sts., San Francisco, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
  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.
The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system. The system was built in 1873 and is a National Historic Landmark. The cable cars are a popular tourist attraction and are featured in many movies and TV shows.
California random facts
San Francisco County, located in Northern California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Ohlone people, who lived along the coast and relied on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood.

In 1776, Spanish settlers established a mission named San Francisco de Asís, which would eventually give its name to the modern city of San Francisco. The region was under Spanish and Mexican rule until 1848, when California was ceded to the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War. The discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada in 1848 sparked a massive influx of people to California, including to the rapidly growing settlement of San Francisco.

During the mid-19th century, San Francisco experienced rapid growth and development as a result of the Gold Rush. It quickly became a major port city and a bustling center of trade and commerce. The city's population grew rapidly, attracting people from all over the world, including immigrants from China, Ireland, and Italy.

In the early 20th century, San Francisco faced multiple challenges, including the devastating 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, which destroyed much of the city. However, it was quickly rebuilt, and by the mid-20th century, San Francisco became known as a hub of counterculture and progressive politics. It played a pivotal role in the civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements and became known for its cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene.

Today, San Francisco County remains a prominent cultural, economic, and technological center, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. It continues to attract people from all over the world with its thriving tourism industry, thriving tech sector, and rich history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Francisco County, California.

  • 1776: Spanish settlers establish Presidio of San Francisco.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, taking control of San Francisco.
  • 1846: United States military takes control of San Francisco during the Mexican-American War.
  • 1848: Discovery of gold in California leads to Gold Rush and rapid population growth in San Francisco.
  • 1850: San Francisco establishes as an official city and county.
  • 1906: The devastating earthquake and fire strike San Francisco, causing widespread destruction.
  • 1915: San Francisco hosts the Panama-Pacific International Exposition to showcase its recovery from the earthquake.
  • 1937: The Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco to Marin County, opens to the public.
  • 1942: Japanese-Americans living in San Francisco are forced into internment camps due to World War II.
  • 1967: The "Summer of Love" brings thousands of young people to San Francisco to protest and celebrate counterculture.
  • 1989: Loma Prieta earthquake strikes, causing significant damage to the city.
  • 2008: San Francisco County begins issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.