US Post Office-Hutchinson
a.k.a. Hutchinson United States Post Office
128 E. First St., Hutchinson, 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 woman mayor in the United States, Susanna Salter, was elected in Argonia, Kansas in 1887.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to establish trading posts in the region, hoping to profit from the lucrative fur trade. The area soon became a popular stop for pioneers traveling along the Santa Fe Trail and the Chisholm Trail, as it provided a reliable water source and offered fertile land for farming.
In 1872, the city of Hutchinson was founded in Reno County, named after Civil War General William Hutchinson. The city quickly grew and became a hub for trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location along major transportation routes. It became known as the "Salt City" due to its booming salt industry, which was essential for preserving food in an era before refrigeration.
Over the years, Reno County and its cities faced numerous challenges and achieved notable milestones. The devastating floods of 1904 and 1921 caused significant damage to the region but ultimately prompted the construction of levees and flood control measures. The establishment of the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory in Hutchinson in 1911 brought jobs and economic growth. Today, Reno County continues to thrive, offering a mix of agricultural, industrial, and cultural opportunities for its residents and visitors.
Reno County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Reno County, Kansas.
- 1803: The area that is now Reno County was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1869: Reno County was officially established and named after Major General Jesse L. Reno, who was killed in the American Civil War.
- 1872: The city of Hutchinson was founded as the county seat of Reno County.
- 1874: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reached Hutchinson, leading to rapid growth and development.
- 1887: The first natural gas well was drilled in Reno County, leading to the establishment of the Kansas natural gas industry.
- 1893: The Kansas State Fair, one of the largest annual events in the state, moved to Hutchinson.
- 1907: The first radio station in Kansas, KFKB, began broadcasting in Hutchinson.
- 1930s: During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built several parks and recreational areas in Reno County.
- 1950s: The construction of the Hutchinson Naval Air Station brought economic growth and increased population.
- 1997: The Underground Salt Museum, located in the underground tunnels of Hutchinson's salt mines, opened to the public.