US Post Office-Lihue
a.k.a. Lihue Post Office
4441 Rice St., Lihue, HI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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.
Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. It is the only state in the U.S. made up entirely of islands and is also the only state with a majority Asian population.
In the late 18th century, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in Kauai, marking the first contact between the island and Europeans. The island quickly became a hub for the fur and sandalwood trade, attracting merchants from around the world. Kauai's abundance of natural resources also made it an important center for whaling and sugar production.
During the 19th century, Kauai experienced a period of significant change and conflict. The island was unified under King Kaumualii, who controlled vast portions of Hawaii before eventually ceding control to Kamehameha I in 1810. This marked the consolidation of the Hawaiian Islands under a single ruler.
In the years following annexation by the United States in 1898, Kauai County experienced further development and modernization. The sugar industry thrived, and large plantations were established. However, economic decline in the mid-20th century led to the closure of many sugar plantations, and the county shifted its focus toward tourism and agriculture, including the growth of coffee and tropical fruit crops.
Today, Kauai County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, and iconic landmarks such as the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The county continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique culture, outdoor activities, and pristine beaches.
Kauai County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kauai County, Hawaii.
- 1778 - British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Kauai.
- 1810 - King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, under his rule.
- 1824 - The first Christian missionaries arrived on Kauai.
- 1835 - Lihue, the county seat, was established.
- 1850 - The Great Mahele land redistribution took place, affecting land ownership on Kauai.
- 1864 - The first sugar plantation in Kauai was established, marking the beginning of the sugar industry.
- 1892 - Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, causing significant damage to the island.
- 1901 - The Hanapepe Massacre took place during a labor strike, resulting in the deaths of several workers.
- 1924 - The Kauai Railway Company was established, providing transportation for the sugar industry.
- 1959 - Hawaii became a state, and Kauai County became one of its four counties.
- 1982 - Hurricane Iwa caused extensive damage to Kauai.
- 1992 - Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, becoming one of the most devastating hurricanes in Hawaiian history.