National Register Listing

First Clewiston Post Office

a.k.a. Clewiston Post Office and Telephone Office; FMSF# 00677

111-113 Bond St., Clewiston, FL
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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.

commerce politics government architecture post office
There is no better place in Florida to experience the breadth and diversity of birds than Everglades National Park.
Mark G. Biel in Random Acts of Kindness in Florida: Pay it Forward
Hendry County, located in the southwestern part of Florida, has a rich and diverse history. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Calusa and Seminole peoples, who relied on the rivers and abundant wildlife for their sustenance. These tribes left a lasting impact on the region, with archaeological evidence of their settlements and artifacts still being discovered today.

European exploration of Hendry County began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in Florida. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the area started to be settled by pioneers and ranchers. The establishment of Fort Thompson in the mid-1800s as a military outpost played a crucial role in attracting settlers to the region. The fort provided protection against Native American attacks and served as a hub for trade and transportation.

The foundation of modern Hendry County was laid in 1923 when the county was created out of parts of Lee County. Agriculture became the main industry, with the rich alluvial soil along the Caloosahatchee River being well-suited for farming. Sugarcane, citrus, vegetables, and cattle farming became the backbone of the local economy.

Over the years, Hendry County has seen significant growth and development. The construction of the Herbert Hoover Dike in the 1930s provided flood control and enabled more land to be used for agriculture. The growth of the sugarcane industry, in particular, brought prosperity to the area. Today, Hendry County continues to be an agricultural hub, attracting both small and large-scale farming operations, while also embracing tourism and outdoor recreation as important industries for the region.

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

  • 1923 - Hendry County is established and named after Captain Francis A. Hendry
  • Late 1800s - Pioneer settlers began to move into the area
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes a vital industry with the cultivation of citrus crops
  • 1914 - LaBelle, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1923 - Clewiston, a major city in Hendry County, is incorporated
  • 1930 - Construction of the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee begins
  • 1948 - First commercial sugar cane harvest takes place in Clewiston
  • 1960s-1970s - Hendry County experiences significant growth and economic development
  • 1992 - Hurricane Andrew causes significant damage to parts of Hendry County
  • 2004-2005 - Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Wilma impact the region
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