U. S. Post Office
Maple St., Creston, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
The town of Elkader, Iowa was named after Abd el-Kader, a 19th-century Algerian Muslim leader who fought against French colonialism. The town was founded by settlers from Dubuque, who were inspired by Abd el-Kader's bravery and leadership.
In 1849, Union County was officially established, named after the desire for unity between the North and South during a time of tense division on the issue of slavery. The county quickly flourished, with small towns and farming communities springing up across the area.
During the mid-1800s, Union County became an important hub for transportation and trade. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1860s brought increased economic opportunities and population growth. The county's main industries at the time were farming, coal mining, and manufacturing.
In the early 20th century, Union County faced challenges such as the decline of coal mining and agricultural changes. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Union County is primarily known for its agriculture, including corn, soybeans, cattle farming, and poultry production. The county is also home to attractions such as the restored Heritage Village, which showcases the area's pioneer history, and the Three Mile Lake Park, a popular recreational area for fishing and camping.
Overall, Union County has a vibrant history of growth, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to changing times. From its early days of settlement to its present-day agricultural prominence, the county's history reflects the perseverance and resilience of its inhabitants.
Union County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Union County, Iowa.
- 1851 - Union County is established on January 15, 1851, with the county seat located in Afton.
- 1864 - The Civil War reaches Union County, and several residents join the Union Army to fight in the conflict.
- 1870 - Railroads extend into Union County, spurring economic growth and increasing transportation opportunities.
- 1881 - Creston, a town located in Union County, becomes a major hub for railroad activity.
- 1896 - The Great Western Sugar Company establishes a factory in Creston, boosting the local economy and providing job opportunities.
- 1901 - The Adams County Coal Company opens a mine in Shannon City, which becomes an important industry in the region.
- 1930s - Union County, like the rest of the United States, suffers the effects of the Great Depression, with many residents facing unemployment and economic hardship.
- 1976 - The Union County Historical Village, a living history museum, is established to preserve and showcase the county's heritage.
- 2008 - The Creston News Advertiser celebrates 120 years of continuous publication, serving as a valuable source of local news for Union County residents.
- 2010 - Union County's population reaches approximately 12,500 people.
- 2018 - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs a bill into law designating Union County as a Home Base Iowa community, aiming to attract veterans and their families to the county.