Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office / Mural

Historical marker location:
135 West Wisconsin Street, Russell, Kansas
( Marker is at the intersection of Wisconsin Street and Maple Street, on the right when traveling west on Wisconsin Street.)

Circa 1939

  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 famous novel "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is based on a true story that took place in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959.
Kansas random facts
Russell County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Kansa and Pawnee tribes, who utilized the area's fertile land for hunting and agriculture. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle in the region, leading to the establishment of Russell County.

The county was officially organized in 1867 and named after US Senator, George A. Russell. The area quickly became a hub for agriculture, with settlers taking advantage of the vast prairies and rich soil to grow crops such as wheat, corn, and sorghum. This led to the establishment of numerous farming communities across the county.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and prosperity to Russell County. The town of Russell, the county seat, became a major trading center and transportation hub, attracting new businesses and industries. The railroad not only facilitated the transportation of crops but also brought in new residents and immigrants, further diversifying the population.

Over the years, Russell County has faced periods of economic challenges, particularly during the Great Depression. However, the county has remained resilient, adapting to new industries and technologies. Today, Russell County is known for its agricultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and friendly communities. It continues to thrive as a center for farming and ranching while also embracing modern advancements and technologies.

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

  • Russell County was established on February 26, 1867.
  • In 1871, the first county courthouse was built in Russell Springs, the original county seat.
  • In 1872, Catherine Russell, widow of Avra P. Russell, donated land for a new county seat, which was named Russell after her late husband.
  • In 1880, the Union Pacific Railroad reached Russell, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • The first newspaper in Russell County, the Record, was established in 1880.
  • In 1888, the county built a new courthouse in Russell, replacing the previous structure.
  • In 1928, the Smoky Hill River overflowed, causing significant damage to bridges and infrastructure in Russell County.
  • During the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, Russell County experienced severe drought, soil erosion, and economic hardships.
  • In 1951, Wilson Reservoir was completed, providing a recreational area and water source for the county.
  • Russell County celebrated its centennial in 1967 with various events and commemorations.
  • In recent years, the county has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor activities, utilizing its natural attractions and historical sites.