National Register Listing

US Post Office-Fort Morgan Main

a.k.a. Fort Morgan Post Office;Fort Morgan Main Post Office

300 State St., Fort Morgan, 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
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
Morgan County, Colorado has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute. In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to migrate to the area, primarily in search of gold and opportunities for farming. The county was officially established in 1889 and named after Colonel Christopher A. Morgan, who was a prominent figure in Colorado's state government.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Morgan County experienced significant growth due to its favorable agricultural conditions. Farmers flourished by cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and sugar beets, while ranchers raised cattle and sheep. The expansion of the railroad system in the region also played a crucial role in the county's development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and connecting Morgan County with larger markets.

In the 1930s, Morgan County, like the rest of the nation, was heavily impacted by the Great Depression. However, the county persevered, and the agricultural industry continued to be the primary source of economic stability. Advances in irrigation technology further enhanced the region's agricultural productivity, leading to increased prosperity.

Throughout the 20th century, Morgan County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The county saw the emergence of industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. With attractions like the Pawnee Buttes and Jackson Lake State Park, the county became a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Today, Morgan County remains a vibrant community that cherishes its agricultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth. The county continues to play a significant role in Colorado's agricultural sector and is known for its friendly communities and scenic landscapes.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morgan County, Colorado.

  • 1800s - Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne, inhabit the area now known as Morgan County.
  • 1859 - Gold is discovered in the nearby mountains, attracting settlers to the region.
  • 1867 - The Colorado Central Railroad extends its line to the area, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1884 - Morgan County is established, named after Christopher Morgan, a member of the Colorado House of Representatives.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in Morgan County, with farming and ranching playing a significant role in the economy.
  • 1920s - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased development and economic opportunities.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Morgan County, causing financial hardships for many residents.
  • 1950s - Construction of Interstate 76 provides improved transportation connections to the rest of Colorado and neighboring states.
  • 1980s - The county experiences an economic boom, driven by growth in the manufacturing and services sectors.
  • 1990s - Efforts are made to preserve the county's historic buildings and landmarks, promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
  • 2000s - Morgan County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.