Weiser Post Office
Main and W. 1st Sts., Weiser, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 part of the Oregon Territory before it became a separate territory in 1863, and then a state in 1890. At the time, Idaho's borders were much larger than they are now, including parts of Wyoming and Montana.
In the 1860s, gold was discovered in the Salmon River, leading to a gold rush in the area. This drew many settlers, and the town of Weiser was established in 1863. The county itself was created by the Idaho Territorial Legislature in 1879 and named after the first President of the United States, George Washington.
Agriculture played a pivotal role in the development of Washington County. The fertile soil and the mild climate made it ideal for cultivating crops such as wheat, fruit orchards, and root vegetables. As the region grew, more towns were established, including Cambridge, Midvale, and Indian Valley.
In the early 20th century, the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad boosted the local economy, facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce and connecting Washington County to wider markets. The railroad also contributed to population growth as it brought more people to the area. Today, Washington County remains agriculture-focused, with farming being the primary industry in the region.
Throughout its history, Washington County has evolved from the ancestral lands of Native American tribes to a thriving agricultural community. Its rich heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of community continue to shape its identity and make it a significant part of Idaho's history.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Idaho.
- 1805 - Lewis and Clark Expedition pass through the area.
- 1820s - Fur trappers and traders start to explore the region.
- 1863 - Washington County is established as one of the original nine counties of Idaho Territory.
- 1879 - The town of Weiser is founded as a railroad town.
- 1892 - The Idaho Northern Railroad reaches Cambridge, promoting further settlement in the area.
- 1917 - The Brundage Ski Resort is established in the mountains of Washington County.
- 1941 - The Cambridge Air Field is built to train pilots during World War II.
- 1951 - The Brownlee Dam on the Snake River is completed, providing hydroelectric power and flood control.
- 1975 - The Weiser River Trail is converted from a former railroad line into a popular recreational trail.
- 1995 - Washington County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the history of the county.
- 2019 - The population of Washington County reaches approximately 10,000 people.