National Register Listing

US Post Office and Federal Building-Salina

a.k.a. Salina United States Post Office and Federal Building;Smoky

211 W. Iron, Salina, 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.

art politics government social history post office
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
Saline County, Kansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The land that would become Saline County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kansa and Pawnee. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 1800s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant wildlife.

In 1858, Saline County was officially established by the Kansas Territorial Legislature. The county was named after the Saline River, which runs through the region. The county's early years were marked by rapid growth and development, thanks to the arrival of the railroad in the 1860s.

During the Civil War, Saline County was a hotbed of both pro-Union and pro-Confederate sentiment. The county was deeply divided, with some residents supporting the abolitionist cause and others sympathizing with the South. This led to frequent conflicts and tensions throughout the war years.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saline County experienced a boom in agriculture and industry. The discovery of oil in the area in the early 1900s brought further economic growth. Today, Saline County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county is also home to a number of historical sites and landmarks, such as the Smoky Hill Museum and the Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure.

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

  • 1855 - Saline County is established as part of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1860 - The first settlement, Salina, is founded as a trading post along the Smoky Hill River.
  • 1861-1865 - Saline County residents play a significant role in the American Civil War.
  • 1867 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Saline County, facilitating economic growth.
  • 1871 - The county seat is relocated from Salina to Solomon City.
  • 1871-1872 - A cholera outbreak affects the county, resulting in numerous deaths.
  • 1874 - The county seat is moved back to Salina due to its rapid growth.
  • 1880s - Saline County experiences a period of agricultural expansion and diversification.
  • 1900 - A tornado strikes Salina, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1942-1945 - During World War II, Saline County is home to a prisoner of war camp for German soldiers.
  • 1960s-1970s - The county undergoes urban renewal and revitalization efforts in Salina.
  • 2007 - The existing Saline County Courthouse is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.