US Post Office-Wallace Main
a.k.a. Wallace Main Post Office
403 Cedar St., Wallace, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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 was the first state to have a complete statewide system of television broadcasting. KIDO-TV, now KTVB, began broadcasting in Boise in 1953, and within a few years, the entire state was covered by a network of television stations.
The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes to Shoshone County. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold attracted thousands of miners to the region, leading to the establishment of mining communities like Murray and Burke. These towns experienced rapid growth as mining activities boomed, and the county became a major producer of gold, silver, lead, and zinc.
The mining industry continued to be the backbone of Shoshone County's economy throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Companies like the Bunker Hill Mining Company and the Sunshine Mining Company operated large-scale mining operations in the area, employing thousands of workers. However, the county also faced numerous challenges, including labor disputes and the fluctuating prices of minerals, which led to economic downturns and recessions.
In recent decades, the mining industry has declined, and Shoshone County has had to adapt to new economic realities. The county now focuses on a diversified economy, including tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale agriculture. Today, Shoshone County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the stunning Silver Valley, and its rich cultural heritage. The county has preserved historic buildings and sites, attracting visitors interested in its history and offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.
Shoshone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shoshone County, Idaho.
- 1805 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through the area.
- 1824 - The fur trade brings trappers and traders to the region.
- 1860 - Gold is discovered in the region, leading to a gold rush.
- 1861 - Shoshone County is established as one of the first counties in Idaho Territory.
- 1884 - The town of Wallace is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1887 - The Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mine is established, becoming one of the largest silver mines in the world.
- 1910 - The great fires of 1910 devastate the area, including several towns in Shoshone County.
- 1930s - The mining industry declines, leading to an economic downturn.
- 1980s - Environmental concerns and the closure of mines further impact the county's economy.
- Present - Shoshone County remains a rural area with a diverse economy centered around tourism, timber, and recreation.