National Register Listing

Old Post Office

a.k.a. Main Post Office

28 S. Linn St., Iowa City, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  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
Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
In 1917, a German submarine sank the SS Housatonic, a U.S. freighter carrying food and supplies to Europe during World War I, off the coast of South Carolina. Among the crew members who went down with the ship was an Iowa native named Herbert C. Jones, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the sinking.
Iowa random facts
Johnson County, Iowa, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and the Sac and Fox tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, with the establishment of a fur trading post. In 1838, Iowa City was chosen as the capital of the newly-formed Iowa Territory, spurring further growth and development in the county.

Iowa City became a center of education and culture in the region. In 1855, the University of Iowa was established, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition of higher education in Johnson County. The university has since become one of the leading academic institutions in the country, attracting students from around the world.

Johnson County also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Several prominent abolitionists, such as John Matzen and William R. Smith, were active in the area, helping fugitive slaves escape to freedom. The county's strong moral stance on slavery made it a significant hub for anti-slavery activities during the 19th century.

In the 20th century, Johnson County experienced steady growth and development. The county's population steadily increased, driven in part by the growth of the university and its related industries. Today, Johnson County is known for its vibrant community, cultural offerings, and strong commitment to education and social justice. It continues to be a thriving and diverse county in the state of Iowa.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Johnson County, Iowa.

  • 1838 - Johnson County is established by the Iowa Territorial Legislature.
  • 1840 - Iowa City becomes the county seat.
  • 1855 - The University of Iowa is founded in Iowa City.
  • 1864 - A major flood devastates Iowa City.
  • 1873 - Construction of the Old Capitol building is completed.
  • 1885 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reaches Iowa City.
  • 1901 - Construction of the current Johnson County Courthouse is finished.
  • 1959 - Iowa City's population surpasses 25,000.
  • 1970 - The Iowa City Landmark District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008 - Iowa City is designated as a UNESCO City of Literature.