National Register Listing

US Post Office-Boulder Main

a.k.a. Boulder Post Office;Boulder Main Post Office;See Also:Downto

1905 Fifteenth St., Boulder, CO
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  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 post office
Audiobooks about the history of Colorado.
The Colorado River, which flows through the state and into several other western states, is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The river is also a popular destination for whitewater rafting and other recreational activities.
Colorado random facts
Boulder County, located in Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that begins with the Native American tribes who inhabited the region for centuries. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes primarily occupied the area, relying on the abundant natural resources, including water from rivers and fertile land for farming. European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of gold in nearby regions.

In 1858, gold prospectors arrived in Boulder County, sparking a gold rush and leading to the establishment of several mining towns. Boulder City, founded in 1859, quickly became the largest community in the area. However, as the gold deposits depleted, the focus shifted to agriculture, particularly the production of crops like wheat and sugar beets. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated growth and economic development.

Boulder County became known for its educational institutions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1877, the University of Colorado was founded in Boulder, which brought intellectual and cultural growth to the region. The establishment of the Chautauqua movement in Chautauqua Park in 1898 also helped solidify Boulder's reputation as a center for learning and cultural exchange.

The 20th century brought further growth to Boulder County, with the establishment of key industries such as aerospace and technology. In the 1950s, the National Center for Atmospheric Research was established in Boulder, contributing to the county's reputation as a hub for scientific research. The presence of the University of Colorado also attracted high-tech companies, leading to the emergence of the Boulder Valley tech corridor.

Today, Boulder County is known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and progressive values. It continues to be a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and students seeking a blend of innovation, education, and recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Boulder County, Colorado.

  • 1803: The area that would become Boulder County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • 1820s: Early fur trappers and traders arrive in the area.
  • 1858: Gold is discovered in the area, attracting a wave of prospectors.
  • 1861: Boulder County is established as a separate county in the Territory of Colorado.
  • 1871: The University of Colorado Boulder is founded.
  • 1873: Boulder becomes the county seat.
  • 1894: The Colorado Chautauqua, a cultural and educational center, opens in Boulder.
  • 1914: The town of Longmont is incorporated in Boulder County.
  • 1942-1945: The Hanseman Park Japanese Internment Camp is established in Boulder County during World War II.
  • 1952: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is founded in Boulder.
  • 2013: Historic flooding occurs in Boulder County causing significant damage.