Cedar Falls Post Office
a.k.a. City Hall Annex; Old Post Office (OPO)
217 Washington St., Cedar Falls, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
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.
Iowa was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Iowa state legislature passed a law allowing women to vote in school board elections. This was more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide.
The area officially became Black Hawk County in 1843, named after the renowned Sauk leader. The county was initially settled by European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Ireland. The development of railways in the mid-19th century played a significant role in the county's growth, enabling the transportation of goods and people.
Black Hawk County experienced rapid industrialization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of diverse industries, including meat packing, brewing, and manufacturing, contributed to the county's economic prosperity. Waterloo, the county seat, emerged as a major industrial center, attracting workers from various backgrounds.
The county has faced both triumphs and challenges throughout its history. It has witnessed significant milestones, such as the establishment of educational institutions, including the University of Northern Iowa. However, like many regions across the United States, Black Hawk County also faced social and economic struggles, particularly during the Great Depression and subsequent recessions. Today, the county continues to evolve and thrive, offering a vibrant community with a blend of rich history and modern amenities.
Black Hawk County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Black Hawk County, Iowa.
- 1836: Black Hawk County is established.
- 1839: Waterloo, the county seat, is platted.
- 1854: The first courthouse is built in Waterloo.
- 1858: The first railroad reaches Black Hawk County.
- 1868: The Cedar Valley Seminary opens in Waterloo.
- 1869: The City of Cedar Falls is incorporated.
- 1876: The Black Hawk County Courthouse is constructed.
- 1900: The Waterloo High School is established.
- 1920: The Black Hawk County Home for the Aged is established.
- 1947: The University of Northern Iowa (then named Iowa State Teachers College) is established in Cedar Falls.
- 1965: The Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center is built in Waterloo.
- 1987: The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo opens its doors.
- 1991: The Grout Museum District is established in Waterloo.
- 2008: The Cedar Valley SportsPlex is opened in Waterloo.