Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
425 North Main Street, Kingman, Kansas
( Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 14) north of C Avenue, on the left when traveling north.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.
The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Kingman County, located in south-central Kansas, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 150 years. It was officially established on February 26, 1867, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage and Wichita before European settlers arrived.

The county was named after Samuel A. Kingman, a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. In the late 19th century, settlers began to arrive in Kingman County, drawn by the fertile land and the promise of a new life. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with crop farming and cattle ranching becoming the backbone of the local economy.

In the early 20th century, Kingman County saw significant growth and development. The discovery of oil in the region brought newfound prosperity to the area. Oil wells were drilled, and oil production became a major industry, contributing to the county's economic growth and attracting new residents.

Throughout the years, Kingman County has faced its fair share of challenges. The Great Depression hit the region hard, causing economic difficulties for its residents. However, the county managed to recover and adapt to changing times, diversifying its economy and focusing on industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Today, Kingman County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a strong agricultural heritage. It offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. With its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly community, Kingman County remains an important part of Kansas's cultural and economic landscape.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kingman County, Kansas.

  • 1854 - Kingman County, Kansas territory is officially organized
  • 1867 - The county's first post office, Walnut City, is established
  • 1872 - The town of Kingman is founded and becomes the county seat
  • 1885 - The Rock Island Railroad is built through Kingman County, boosting economic growth
  • 1893 - Kingman County experiences a major grasshopper plague
  • 1903 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the industry
  • 1930s - Kingman County is affected by the Dust Bowl and experiences severe drought
  • 1940 - The dams at Cheney Reservoir and Kingman State Fishing Lake are built
  • 1955 - The Kingman County Historical Museum is established
  • 1985 - A tornado causes significant damage in the town of Kingman