United States Post Office and Court House
424 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
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.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison, Texas, but grew up in Abilene, Kansas.
In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the establishment of the Kansas Territory, including what would become Shawnee County. The area saw significant turmoil and violence during the Bleeding Kansas era, as tensions rose between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers. Shawnee County specifically played a role in this conflict, with several incidents occurring within its borders.
The year 1855 marked the official founding of Shawnee County, with the establishment of Topeka as its county seat. The city grew rapidly, becoming the state capital of Kansas in 1861. With the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, Topeka and Shawnee County experienced further expansion and economic growth.
Throughout the 20th century, Shawnee County continued to thrive. It became a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation industries. The county also played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Notable events include the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which originated in Topeka and led to the desegregation of schools nationwide.
Today, Shawnee County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong focus on education, arts, and culture. Its rich history is preserved through numerous historical sites, museums, and landmarks, reminding residents and visitors alike of the region's past.
Shawnee County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shawnee County, Kansas.
- 1817 - Shawnee County established as part of the Territory of Missouri.
- 1825 - Treaty of St. Louis establishes Shawnee Indian reservation in the area.
- 1830 - Shawnee Indians are removed from the reservation as part of the Indian Removal Act.
- 1845 - Shawnee County is officially organized with Tecumseh as its county seat.
- 1855 - Topeka becomes the county seat of Shawnee County.
- 1857 - The first courthouse in Shawnee County is completed.
- 1870 - The population of Shawnee County reaches over 13,000 people.
- 1930 - The population of Shawnee County exceeds 95,000 people.
- 1954 - Topeka becomes the site of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
- 1977 - The first women are sworn into office as Shawnee County Commissioners.
- 1996 - The Kansas Expocentre in Topeka opens, becoming a major entertainment venue.
- 2007 - The Heartland Park Topeka sports complex undergoes significant renovations.