U.S. Post Office
2nd and Walnut Sts., Des Noines, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
In the mid-1800s, Iowa was a major hub for the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North.
Polk County was officially established on January 13, 1846, and was named after President James K. Polk. Des Moines, which is now the state capital and largest city in Iowa, became the county seat. In its early years, Polk County developed as an agricultural center, with farms and small communities dotting the landscape.
The county experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and the Chicago and North Western Railway helped establish Des Moines as a transportation hub, leading to increased industrialization and economic development. The city became a leading center for insurance and financial services, which had a lasting impact on Polk County's economy.
Throughout the 20th century, Polk County continued to evolve, with a growing population and expanding urban areas. Major landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol, the Principal Riverwalk, and the Des Moines Art Center have further solidified Des Moines' position as a regional cultural and economic hub. Today, Polk County is known for its diverse economy, strong education system, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Polk County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Polk County, Iowa.
- 1836 - Polk County was established as one of the original counties in the Iowa Territory.
- 1843 - Fort Des Moines was established as a U.S. Army post in the county.
- 1851 - The city of Des Moines was officially incorporated.
- 1865 - The Iowa State Capitol building was completed in Des Moines.
- 1873 - The Des Moines Public Library was established, making it the first public library in the state of Iowa.
- 1884 - The Des Moines Water Works was founded to provide clean water to the city.
- 1907 - Hy-Vee, a popular supermarket chain, was founded in Beaconsfield, Iowa (later moved to Des Moines).
- 1929 - Principal Financial Group, now one of the largest financial services companies in the United States, was founded in Des Moines.
- 1958 - Construction of the 59-story Equitable Life Building (now known as the Financial Center) was completed, becoming the tallest building between Chicago and Denver at the time.
- 1985 - The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden opened to the public.
- 2004 - The Pappajohn Sculpture Park was established in downtown Des Moines.