Historical Marker

Old Main Post Office Professional Building

Historical marker location:
1060 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Avenue and 11th Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Avenue.)

Restored 1985

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Colorado.
The United States Air Force Academy is located in Colorado Springs, and was established in 1954. It is the youngest of the five U.S. service academies.
Colorado random facts
La Plata County, located in southwestern Colorado, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Ancestral Puebloans and Ute people, who lived off the land and developed agricultural practices. European explorers, including Juan Maria de Rivera and Juan Maria Antonio Rivera, were some of the first non-native visitors to the area in the late 18th century.

In the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby San Juan Mountains attracted a wave of prospectors to La Plata County. This led to the establishment of mining camps and towns like Silverton and Durango, which quickly became centers of trade and commerce. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reached Durango in the 1880s, connecting the area to the rest of the country and further fueling economic growth.

Durango, the county seat and largest city in La Plata County, thrived as a hub for mining, logging, and agriculture. The town saw significant developments in education and infrastructure, including the establishment of Fort Lewis College in 1911, which played a crucial role in the region's educational and cultural growth.

In recent decades, La Plata County has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and historic sites. The county's economy has also diversified, with a focus on industries such as tourism, healthcare, education, and renewable energy. Today, La Plata County continues to honor its history while embracing a forward-looking approach to development and sustainability.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of La Plata County, Colorado.

  • 1871: La Plata County is established, taking its name from the La Plata River.
  • 1873: Durango, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1879: The Denver and Rio Grande Railway reaches Durango, spurring growth in the area.
  • 1906: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Durango.
  • 1911: Mesa Verde National Park is established, showcasing the region's rich Native American history.
  • 1927: The Million Dollar Highway, part of U.S. Route 550, is completed, connecting Durango with Ouray.
  • 1960s-1970s: Skiing becomes a popular recreational activity with the opening of Purgatory Ski Resort (now known as Durango Mountain Resort).
  • 1990: The Animas River is designated as a Gold Medal Water (trout fishing) by the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
  • 2002: The Missionary Ridge Fire devastates over 72,000 acres of land in La Plata County.
  • 2018: La Plata County experiences a significant drought, leading to widespread wildfires.