U.S. Courthouse and Post Office
a.k.a. Federal Building
46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
The first recorded train robbery in the United States took place in Indiana in 1866. A gang of thieves robbed the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad, making off with over $96,000 in cash and gold.
During the mid-19th century, Marion County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Indianapolis, which is the county seat, was established in 1820 and quickly became a major transportation hub due to its location at the crossroads of several important trade routes. The construction of the National Road, a major east-west highway, in the 1830s further accelerated the city's growth. Indianapolis also became the state capital in 1825, solidifying its status as a political and economic center.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw continued expansion and modernization in Marion County. The city of Indianapolis played host to the Centennial Exposition in 1897, which showcased the city's progress and brought national attention to the area. The development of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909 and the subsequent rise of the Indianapolis 500 cemented the city's reputation as the "racing capital of the world."
In the present day, Marion County is the largest county in Indiana, both in terms of population and land area. It is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. Looking toward the future, Marion County is committed to sustaining its growth through strategic planning and community partnership, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Marion County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marion County, Indiana.
- 1817 - Marion County is officially established as a county in the state of Indiana.
- 1820 - The county seat is established in Indianapolis, which becomes the state capital a few years later.
- 1821 - The first courthouse in Marion County is built.
- 1837 - The construction of the National Road through Marion County brings increased trade and transportation to the region.
- 1857 - The first railroad, the Bellefontaine and Indiana, is completed in Marion County.
- 1887 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, now famous for the Indianapolis 500 race, is built in Speedway, a town within Marion County.
- 1912 - The Lyric Theatre, one of the city's earliest African-American theaters, opens in Indianapolis.
- 1941 - The Great Flood of 1941 causes significant damage in Marion County and throughout the state.
- 1970 - The Indiana Convention Center is opened in downtown Indianapolis, boosting the city's convention and tourism industry.
- 2006 - Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, opens in downtown Indianapolis.