Post Office / Bryant Building / Barber Shop

Historical marker location:
507 2nd Street, Grant, Iowa
( Marker is on 2nd Street just east of U Avenue (Old U.S. 71), on the left when traveling east.)

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors

National Register of Historic Places. 1915

  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.

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The first American casualty of World War I was a sailor from Iowa named Merle Hay. He was killed when the German submarine U-58 torpedoed the USS Jacob Jones on December 6, 1917.
Montgomery County is a county located in southwestern Iowa, with its county seat in Red Oak. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kanza, Illinois, and Miami. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, establishing the first permanent communities in the county. Montgomery County was officially organized in 1853, named in honor of General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the mid-19th century, the county experienced rapid growth due to the construction of railroads. The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, later known as the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, played a significant role in the county's development, attracting new settlers and promoting economic growth. Towns such as Red Oak, Villisca, and Elliott emerged as commercial centers for agricultural trade.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Montgomery County thrive as an agricultural region. Farmers cultivated corn, wheat, and oats, while also raising livestock such as cattle and hogs. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate contributed to its agricultural success. Manufacturing also became an important sector in the county, with industries such as flour mills, brick plants, and lumber mills emerging throughout the region.

In the 20th century, Montgomery County faced economic challenges as the agricultural industry underwent consolidation, reducing the number of small family farms. The Great Depression and declining population further impacted the county's economy. However, the county has since diversified its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing playing prominent roles. Today, Montgomery County maintains a rich agricultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

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

  • 1851 - Montgomery County established
  • 1875 - Red Oak, the county seat, founded
  • 1879 - First railroad completed in the county
  • 1885 - Formation of the first rural school district
  • 1891 - Construction of the Montgomery County Courthouse
  • 1929 - Great Depression begins, impacting the county
  • 1941-1945 - Montgomery County residents contribute to World War II efforts
  • 1972 - Montgomery County Historical Society founded
  • 1984 - Farm crisis affects the county's economy
  • 2011 - Flooding occurs along the Nishnabotna River