Moscow Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. Moscow Federal Building
Washington and 3rd Sts., Moscow, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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.
Idaho is home to the Craters of the Moon National Monument, a vast volcanic landscape that covers more than 750,000 acres. The area is so named because it resembles a lunar landscape, and it's a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts.
In 1871, the town of Moscow was established as the county seat of Latah County. It quickly became an important center for education and commerce, with the establishment of the University of Idaho in 1889. The university played a significant role in the county's development, contributing to the growth of the town and the region as a whole.
Latah County also played a significant part in the labor and industrial movements of the early 20th century. In 1917, the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) launched a major labor strike known as the "Potlatch Strike." This strike had a profound impact on the community, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of many labor organizers and resulting in a shift in the balance of power between workers and employers.
In recent years, Latah County has seen continued growth and development. The county's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities have attracted new residents, while its vibrant arts and cultural scene have contributed to its unique identity. Today, Latah County remains a thriving and diverse community, with a rich history that continues to shape its present and future.
Latah County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Latah County, Idaho.
- 1861: Latah County was established on January 14
- 1871: Moscow, the county seat, was founded and became a bustling trade center
- 1889: The University of Idaho was founded in Moscow
- 1893: A major fire destroyed almost all of Moscow's buildings, but the town was quickly rebuilt
- 1905: Potlatch was incorporated as a lumber town
- 1910: The Lewiston and Moscow electric railway was completed, connecting the two cities
- 1935: The Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad was completed, providing additional transportation options
- 1941: The Farragut Naval Training Station was established near Athol, bringing a surge of population and economic activity
- 1955: The Potlatch Corporation opened the Potlatch Mill in Lewiston, becoming one of the largest employers in the area
- 1970: The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden was created in Moscow
- 1990: The expansion of the Palouse Mall in Moscow was completed, attracting more retail businesses