National Register Listing

Western House

a.k.a. Brighton Hotel

500 W. Main St., Brighton, MI
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  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.

commerce architecture post office missions women
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
Michigan is known for its many lighthouses, with over 120 lighthouses located along its Great Lakes shoreline. Many of these lighthouses are still in operation today and are popular tourist destinations.
Michigan random facts
Livingston County, located in the state of Michigan, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwe. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources in the area, including forests, lakes, and rivers, for their sustenance and way of life.

European settlement in Livingston County began in the early 19th century, as pioneers from the Eastern United States ventured westward in search of new opportunities. The county was officially established in 1833 and named after Edward Livingston, a prominent American jurist and statesman. The early settlers engaged in various industries, including agriculture, logging, and milling, which helped to develop the local economy.

Livingston County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network that aided escaped slaves in their journey to freedom. The county's location between Detroit and Jackson, two important stations on the Underground Railroad, made it a crucial stop for freedom seekers. Many brave individuals in the county risked their own safety to assist escaped slaves, providing them with shelter, food, and guidance along their arduous journey.

In the 20th century, Livingston County experienced further growth and development, particularly with the rise of the automotive industry in nearby Detroit. The county's proximity to the Motor City led to an influx of residents seeking suburban living, and it saw the construction of numerous housing developments and shopping centers. Today, Livingston County continues to thrive and is known for its natural beauty, vibrant communities, and strong sense of history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Livingston County, Michigan.

  • 1833 - Livingston County is formed from parts of Shiawassee County.
  • 1836 - Howell is designated as the county seat.
  • 1837 - The first courthouse is built in Howell.
  • 1854 - The Detroit, Howell and Lansing Railroad is completed, connecting Howell to the rest of Michigan.
  • 1868 - The Great Fire of 1868 destroys much of Howell.
  • 1898 - The Howell State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital, opens in Howell.
  • 1928 - The Brighton State Recreation Area is established, providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • 1945 - Livingston County Airport is established in Howell.
  • 1998 - The Livingston County Historical Courthouse is restored in Howell.
  • 2007 - Tornadoes cause significant damage in the county, particularly in the towns of Howell and Fowlerville.