National Register Listing

US Post Office-Horton

a.k.a. Horton United States Post Office

825 1st Ave. E., Horton, KS
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Social History

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.

art politics government social history post office
Kansas is home to several important Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Brown County is located in northeastern Kansas and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo, Potawatomi, and Kansa tribes. European settlement began in the early 19th century when traders and missionaries arrived in the area.

The county was officially established in 1855 and named after Albert G. Brown, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi. The early settlers faced many challenges, particularly during the Bleeding Kansas era, when violent conflicts erupted between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Brown County was a significant battleground during this time, with several incidents of violence and bloodshed.

During the Civil War, Brown County sent many soldiers to fight for the Union cause. The county also played a role in the Underground Railroad, as many abolitionists helped slaves escape to freedom through hidden routes and safe houses.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Brown County thrived as an agricultural region, with farming becoming a major industry. The county experienced growth and development with the construction of railways, which facilitated the transportation of goods and services. Over the years, the county's economy diversified, and it became known for its production of livestock, grains, and dairy products.

Today, Brown County remains a rural area with a strong sense of community. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and annual events and festivals that celebrate its rich history. Although smaller in population compared to other counties in the state, Brown County continues to embrace its past while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brown County, Kansas.

  • 1855: Brown County is established as a county in the state of Kansas.
  • 1857: The town of Hiawatha, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1859: The first railroad is built in Brown County.
  • 1861-1865: Brown County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1867: The town of Horton is established.
  • 1871: The St. Benedict's Abbey is founded in Atchison, just outside of Brown County.
  • 1874: The northeast corner of the county is hit by a devastating tornado.
  • 1904: The Brown County Courthouse, in Hiawatha, is completed.
  • 1940: Horton Municipal Airport is established.
  • 1972: The Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is established in the county.
  • 2003: The first ever tornado warning siren system is implemented in Brown County.