National Register Listing

US Post Office-Trinidad Main

a.k.a. Trinidad Post Office;Trinidad Main Post Office;See Also:Cora

301 E. Main St., Trinidad, 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.
In 1913, the city of Trinidad, Colorado, became the site of the first successful oil well-drilled west of the Mississippi River. The discovery led to a boom in oil production in the region, and Colorado became a major oil-producing state.
Colorado random facts
Las Animas County, located in southern Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache, Ute, and Comanche. These tribes relied on the land's resources for hunting, gathering, and agriculture, leaving significant archaeological sites throughout the county.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by Mexican settlers in the 19th century. Spanish influence can still be seen in the region's place names, such as the county's name "Las Animas," which means "the souls" in Spanish. The area saw some conflicts during this time, such as the Taos Revolt of 1847, which briefly affected Las Animas County.

With the arrival of the Santa Fe Trail in the early 1800s, Las Animas County became an important hub for trade and transportation. The county's location along this historic trail brought settlers and merchants from the east, further shaping the area's economy and culture. The influx of people also led to the establishment of towns such as Trinidad, which became the county seat in 1866.

During the late 19th century, Las Animas County experienced a boom in coal mining. The county's rich coal deposits attracted numerous miners and mining companies, sparking economic growth and creating job opportunities. The coal industry remained a significant part of the county's economy well into the 20th century. However, declining coal production in recent years has led to a shift towards other industries such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Throughout its history, Las Animas County has been shaped by its diverse cultural heritage, economic activities, and natural resources. Today, the county continues to preserve and celebrate its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Las Animas County, Colorado.

  • 1866: Las Animas County is established on February 9th.
  • 1879: The County seat is first established in Trinidad.
  • 1881: The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad arrives in Trinidad.
  • 1910: A miners' strike in the county leads to the Ludlow Massacre.
  • 1936: The completion of the Trinidad State Junior College.
  • 1961: The Trinidad Historical Museum is established.
  • 1977: The Trinidad History Museum becomes a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1997: The Hotel Richmond in Trinidad is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2001: The Trinidad Lake State Park is established.