National Register Listing

US Post Office-Preston Main

a.k.a. Preston Main Post Office

55 E. Oneida St., Preston, ID
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
Idaho is a vibrant state with a bright future.
C.L. "Butch" Otter in Idaho State of the State Address
Franklin County, located in southeastern Idaho, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Northern Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources in the area, such as fish from the Snake River and game from the nearby mountains.

European exploration and settlement began in the early 19th century, with trappers and traders venturing into the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Franklin County in 1805, marking the first recorded contact between Europeans and Native Americans in the area. Fur trading posts were established, attracting more settlers and leading to further exploration and settlement.

In 1863, Franklin County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in Idaho Territory. The county was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, as settlers began to cultivate the fertile soil and take advantage of the abundant water resources for irrigation.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Franklin County. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s facilitated the transportation of goods and boosted economic growth. The population increased, along with the establishment of new towns and businesses. Today, Franklin County remains an agricultural hub, with farming and livestock production playing a vital role in the local economy. The county is also known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Idaho.

  • 1862: Franklin County is founded.
  • 1870: Preston becomes the county seat.
  • 1879: The railroad reaches Franklin County, boosting its development.
  • 1880: A new courthouse is constructed in Preston.
  • 1901: The Oneida Stake Academy (later known as Preston High School) is established in Preston.
  • 1929: The Bear River Massacre Site is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1950s: The Montpelier Energy Corporation builds a nuclear reactor near Montpelier.
  • 1970s: The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory expands, bringing economic growth to the county.
  • 1983: The LDS Church opens the Franklin Idaho Temple in Preston.
  • 2010: Franklin County commemorates its 150th anniversary.
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