U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Federal Office Building
581 Park Ave., Idaho Falls, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 first known human settlement in Idaho dates back more than 12,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that early Native American tribes lived in the region, and artifacts from these settlements can be found in museums throughout the state.
In the early 1800s, expeditions led by famous explorers such as John Colter and Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the area. These expeditions provided valuable information about the land, resources, and possibilities for settlement. The establishment of a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1820s further facilitated interaction between Native American tribes and European traders.
The discovery of gold in the nearby regions of Montana and Wyoming in the mid-1800s spurred the influx of settlers into Bonneville County. As prospectors headed westward in search of riches, they passed through the county and created temporary settlements along the way. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s made transportation and trade more accessible, leading to increased settlement in the area.
Bonneville County was officially established in 1911, named after Benjamin Bonneville, an early explorer of the American West. Agriculture became a primary industry in the county, with farmers cultivating crops such as potatoes, wheat, and barley. The area also saw an increase in livestock production, particularly cattle and sheep. Over time, Bonneville County grew and developed, with the city of Idaho Falls becoming a major urban center and economic hub in the region.
Today, Bonneville County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The region's stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Snake River, attracts visitors from far and wide. The county's history can still be seen in its historic buildings, museums, and cultural attractions, making Bonneville County a vibrant and historically significant part of Idaho.
Bonneville County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bonneville County, Idaho.
- 1864: Bonneville County is established by the Idaho Territorial Legislature, named after Captain Benjamin Bonneville.
- 1871: The first permanent settlement, Eagle Rock, is established near the present-day city of Idaho Falls.
- 1883: The Utah and Northern Railway reaches Eagle Rock, stimulating growth and development in the area.
- 1891: Eagle Rock is renamed Idaho Falls to avoid confusion with another Idaho town.
- 1895: The first hydroelectric power plant in Idaho is built on the Snake River in Idaho Falls.
- 1949: The National Reactor Testing Station (now Idaho National Laboratory) is established near Arco, bringing jobs and scientific research to the region.
- 1951: The first usable nuclear-generated electricity is produced at the Experimental Breeder Reactor I in Arco.
- 1970: The Teton Dam, located in Bonneville County, fails just months after its completion, resulting in massive flooding and destruction.
- 1994: The Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is dedicated, becoming a prominent landmark in the county.
- 2017: Bonneville County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.