National Register Listing

US Post Office-Buhl Main

a.k.a. Buhl Main Post Office

830 Main, Buhl, 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
The Snake River that runs through Idaho played a crucial role in the development of the state. The river was used to transport goods and supplies, and it was also used to generate hydroelectric power, which helped to fuel the state's growth and development.
Idaho random facts
Twin Falls County, located in southern Idaho, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone-Bannock and the Northern Paiute, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. The arrival of European explorers in the early 1800s brought significant changes to the region.

In the late 19th century, the area was part of the Oregon Trail, a major transportation route for pioneers heading west during the westward expansion. As more settlers arrived, the potential for agricultural development took hold, leading to the establishment of towns and the rapid growth of the county. The completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1904 further stimulated growth and economic development in the area.

Twin Falls County was officially established on February 21, 1907, and named after the iconic Twin Falls of the Snake River, which were discovered and named by Ira Burton Perrine in 1869. The county's agricultural potential, particularly in irrigation farming, attracted many settlers who engaged in various agricultural activities, including the cultivation of sugar beets, wheat, and potatoes. This agricultural boom helped to shape the economy of the region and attract more people to the area.

Over the years, Twin Falls County has experienced both triumphs and challenges. The Great Depression in the 1930s brought about economic difficulties, but the county rebounded with the construction of the Shoshone Falls Dam and the subsequent development of hydroelectric power in the area. In recent decades, the county has continued to grow and diversify economically, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

Today, Twin Falls County is a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including the famous Snake River Canyon and its stunning waterfalls, attracting visitors from near and far. With a resilient history and a promising future, Twin Falls County continues to be an important part of Idaho's heritage.

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

  • 1864 - Twin Falls County established as part of Idaho Territory.
  • 1878 - First permanent settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1880 - Town of Twin Falls founded.
  • 1904 - Twin Falls County officially organized.
  • 1914 - Completion of Milner Dam, leading to increased agricultural development in the county.
  • 1918 - Population of Twin Falls County reaches over 10,000.
  • 1921 - Shoshone Falls Hydroelectric Plant begins operation, providing electricity to the region.
  • 1933 - Construction of Perrine Memorial Bridge starts, connecting Twin Falls to the south side of the Snake River Canyon.
  • 1934 - Perrine Bridge completed, becoming an iconic symbol of Twin Falls County.
  • 1942-1945 - Japanese Americans forcibly relocated to internment camps during World War II, including individuals from Twin Falls County.
  • 1959 - Completion of the Twin Falls Temple, the first LDS temple in Idaho.
  • 1974 - Completion of the Thousand Springs Power Plant near Ritter Island.
  • 2004 - Twin Falls County celebrates its centennial.
  • 2016 - Construction begins on the new Twin Falls County Detention Facility.