U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Bldg. US Court House
400 Rood Ave., Grand Junction, CO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom in the area.
In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and fur trappers began to venture into the Mesa County area. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the names of many rivers and mountains in the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take place. Settlers seeking land for farming and ranching were drawn to the fertile lands along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, which provided water for irrigation.
The discovery of gold and silver in the late 19th century played a significant role in shaping the history of Mesa County. Towns like Palisade, De Beque, and Grand Junction saw an influx of people looking to strike it rich in the mining industry. Although the mining boom eventually faded, it laid the foundation for the development of Mesa County's economy and infrastructure.
In the 20th century, agriculture became the main economic driver in Mesa County. The establishment of large-scale fruit orchards and vineyards brought prosperity to the region. Today, the county is known for its bountiful harvests of peaches, apples, and grapes, contributing to its reputation as the fruit basket of Colorado.
Overall, the history of Mesa County showcases the enduring spirit of exploration, settlement, and entrepreneurship. From the early indigenous peoples to the Spanish explorers, gold miners, and agricultural pioneers, the county's past is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents.
Mesa County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mesa County, Colorado.
- 1883: Mesa County is established on February 14.
- 1884: Grand Junction, the county seat, is incorporated on July 22.
- 1889: The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reaches Grand Junction on October 2, boosting economic growth.
- 1907: Construction of the historic Hotel Colorado is completed in Glenwood Springs, attracting tourists to the area.
- 1910: The Grand Valley Irrigation Project is completed, enhancing agricultural opportunities in the county.
- 1921: Colorado National Monument is established on May 24, preserving the unique sandstone formations.
- 1935: The New Deal program leads to construction projects, including improvements to roads and bridges.
- 1943: Walker Field (now Grand Junction Regional Airport) opens, improving transportation connectivity.
- 1960s: The oil and gas industry becomes an important economic driver for Mesa County.
- 1987: The Two Rivers Convention Center opens in Grand Junction, providing a venue for events and conferences.
- 2000: The Colorado National Monument celebrates its 100th anniversary.