Las Animas Post Office
a.k.a. 5BN.591
513 6th St., Las Animas, CO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
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 state capital, Denver, was originally called "Denver City" when it was founded in 1858. It was named after James W. Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, and the city's founders hoped that he would help promote their new settlement. However, Governor Denver never actually visited the city.
In the early 19th century, Bent County played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. It was named after Charles Bent, a trader and statesman who established Bent's Fort in 1833 as a trading post along the Santa Fe Trail. The fort quickly became a vital hub for fur trade and a meeting point for trappers, traders, and Native American tribes.
During the mid-1800s, the area experienced the gold rush, which brought an influx of miners seeking their fortunes. This led to the establishment of several mining towns in Bent County, such as Caddoa and Timpas, as well as the growth of agriculture and ranching in the region.
Throughout its history, Bent County has also been a significant center for transportation and infrastructure development. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway reached the county in the late 19th century, opening up new opportunities for trade and economic growth. Highways like US Route 50 and US Route 287 now pass through the area, connecting it to neighboring counties and the rest of the state.
Today, Bent County continues to preserve its cultural heritage and historical landmarks, including Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Its unique blend of Native American, frontier, and agricultural influences serve as a testament to its storied past and contribute to the county's identity.
Bent County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bent County, Colorado.
- 1835 - Bent County is established as part of the Mexican Territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico.
- 1848 - As a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Bent County becomes part of the United States, forming part of the New Mexico Territory.
- 1861 - Bent County is included in the Territory of Colorado, which is separated from the New Mexico Territory.
- 1870 - The county seat is moved from Boggsville to Las Animas.
- 1889 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is completed, providing rail service to Bent County.
- 1909 - The county suffers a severe drought, leading to a decline in agriculture and economic hardship.
- 1952 - The John Martin Reservoir is completed, providing a much-needed water supply for irrigation and recreation.
- 1987 - The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is established in remembrance of the tragic event that occurred in 1864.
- 2010 - The population of Bent County is 6,499, a significant decline from its peak in the early 20th century.