US Post Office-Council Grove
a.k.a. Council Grove United States Post Office
103 W. Main St., Council Grove, 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.
Kansas is home to several important Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Wichita.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The town of Council Grove, which later became the county seat, was established in the 1840s as a major stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail. This historic trail played a crucial role in the transportation of goods between Missouri and Mexico, and Council Grove served as an important trading post for pioneers and Native Americans.
As more settlers arrived, the county experienced rapid growth and development. The agricultural sector flourished, with crops such as corn, wheat, and vegetables being cultivated on the fertile prairie land. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to the county's prosperity, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and people in and out of the area.
Over the years, Morris County has faced its fair share of challenges. The devastating effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the decline of agriculture in the mid-20th century led to a period of economic hardship for the county. However, efforts to diversify the local economy and promote tourism have helped revitalize the area in recent years.
Today, Morris County is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and strong sense of community. The county continues to be a hub for agriculture and agribusiness, while also attracting visitors with its charming small towns, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.
Morris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morris County, Kansas.
- 1855 - Morris County is established on February 17.
- 1860 - The first permanent white settlers arrive in the area.
- 1867 - Council Grove becomes the county seat.
- 1878 - The Missouri-Pacific Railroad reaches Council Grove, boosting the local economy.
- 1880 - White City is founded as a railroad town.
- 1893 - Construction of the Morris County Courthouse is completed.
- 1912 - The county experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
- 1930 - The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardship.
- 1965 - Construction of Council Grove Reservoir is completed.
- 2000 - The population of Morris County reaches its peak at over 6,000 residents.
- 2010 - The population of Morris County decreases for the first time in over 100 years.