US Post Office-Herington
a.k.a. Herington United States Post Office
17 E. Main St., Herington, KS 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.
The first successful oil well west of the Mississippi was drilled in 1860 in Neodesha, Kansas, which led to the state becoming a major oil producer in the early 20th century.
The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kaw and Osage who utilized the land for hunting and trading. European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century, with Zebulon Pike's expedition passing through the area. The first permanent settlement, known as Fort Davis, was established in 1857 near present-day Hope.
The establishment of the Kansas-Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s played a crucial role in the county's development. The railroad spurred the growth of small communities along its route, such as Abilene, Herington, and Chapman. Abilene in particular became known as the first "cow town" of the American West, attracting cattle drives and cowboys from Texas. Notably, it was here that Wild Bill Hickok briefly served as a marshal and gained fame for his frontier exploits.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, agriculture became a dominant industry in Dickinson County. The fertile plains of the area, combined with advances in technology and infrastructure, facilitated the growth of farming communities. Wheat, corn, and livestock production became the backbone of the local economy, sustaining the livelihoods of many residents. Over time, the county also saw the establishment of educational institutions, churches, and other essential community services.
In summary, Dickinson County has evolved from Native American settlements to a prominent agricultural hub and transportation center. Its history is intertwined with the exploration of the American West, the growth of the railroad, and the development of prosperous farming communities. Today, the county continues to thrive as a testament to its resilient past and the dedication of its inhabitants.
Dickinson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dickinson County, Kansas.
- 1857 - Dickinson County is established by the Kansas territorial legislature.
- 1864 - Abilene is founded as the first town in Dickinson County.
- 1871 - Abilene becomes a booming cattle town with the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway.
- 1872 - The legendary Wild West marshal, Wild Bill Hickok, becomes sheriff of Abilene.
- 1887 - The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway (later known as the Rock Island Railroad) is completed through the county.
- 1895 - Chapman is incorporated as a city in Dickinson County.
- 1903 - The Farmers and Merchants Bank in Herington is robbed by the Daltons, a notorious gang of outlaws.
- 1909 - The city of Herington is officially incorporated.
- 1966 - Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, is completed and provides a popular recreational area for locals and tourists.
- 1971 - The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated in Abilene, honoring the former U.S. President who grew up in the county.
- 2008 - Dickinson County experiences severe flooding, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.