US Post Office-Halstead

a.k.a. Halstead United States Post Office

319 Main St., Halstead, 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.

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The first woman mayor in the United States, Susanna Salter, was elected in Argonia, Kansas in 1887.
Harvey County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area initially belonged to the Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Pawnee, who roamed the prairies and hunted in the region. It wasn't until the 19th century that European settlers began to arrive and shape the history of Harvey County.

In 1871, a survey of the land led to the establishment of a town called Newton, which would become the county seat of Harvey County. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad in 1871 played a crucial role in the growth and development of the county. The railroad brought with it new opportunities for trade and commerce, attracting more settlers to the area.

The early economy of Harvey County revolved around agriculture, with settlers relying on farming and cattle ranching to sustain their livelihoods. Wheat, corn, and livestock became important commodities, and the region thrived as a center for agriculture in Kansas.

Over the years, Harvey County experienced various challenges and transformations. The devastating flood of 1923 caused significant damage to many towns and farms in the area, leading to a period of rebuilding and recovery. In the latter half of the 20th century, the county saw industrial growth, with the establishment of manufacturing and processing plants.

Today, Harvey County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. The county offers a mix of urban and rural areas, providing its residents with a high quality of life. With its rich history and ongoing development, Harvey County remains an important part of the state of Kansas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harvey County, Kansas.

  • 1872 - Harvey County established
  • 1872 - Newton becomes the county seat
  • 1873 - First courthouse built in Newton
  • 1874 - Newton City Bank, the first bank in the county, opens
  • 1879 - Santa Fe Railroad reaches Newton, boosting economic growth
  • 1886 - Chisholm Trail drives end in Harvey County
  • 1893 - Newton Carnegie Library opens
  • 1936 - Harvey County is hit hard by the Great Depression
  • 1943 - Camp Phillips, a U.S. Army training camp, is established near Newton during World War II
  • 1965 - Kansas Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena, opens in Newton
  • 1985 - The Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad begins operations in Harvey County
  • 2007 - Hesston College Arboretum is dedicated