Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:
2 North Broadway, New Ulm, Minnesota
( Marker is at the intersection of Center Street and Broadway Street (Minnesota Highway 15 / 68) on Center Street.)

1910. Historic Downtown New Ulm

  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 first successful commercial shipment of wheat from the Great Plains to Europe was made in 1871 from Minneapolis.
Minnesota random facts
Brown County, Minnesota has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The area was first inhabited by the Dakota Sioux people, who relied on the Minnesota River for hunting, fishing, and transportation. However, this changed with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. These settlers were primarily German and Irish immigrants, who were attracted to the fertile lands and opportunities for farming.

In 1857, Brown County was officially established, named after Joseph Renshaw Brown, a politician and early settler in the region. The county quickly grew in population, and by 1860, the town of New Ulm was founded as the county seat. New Ulm became an important center for trade and commerce in the region, and attracted more settlers who sought agricultural opportunities.

The late 19th century brought significant challenges for Brown County. In 1862, the region experienced the Dakota War, a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and Euro-American settlers. New Ulm was heavily affected by the war, with several attacks on the town and a significant loss of life. However, the town and county persevered, and efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile with the Dakota Sioux people.

Throughout the 20th century, Brown County continued to flourish as an agricultural region. The county saw advancements in farming technology, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, the construction of highways and railroads facilitated transportation and trade, further boosting the local economy. Today, Brown County remains an important hub for agriculture in Minnesota, while also embracing its cultural heritage and historical significance.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brown County, Minnesota.

  • 1853 - Brown County is established.
  • 1857 - The city of New Ulm is founded.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 occurs, leading to the Battle of New Ulm, where settlers defend the city against Dakota warriors.
  • 1873 - The first railroad reaches New Ulm, spurring economic growth in the area.
  • 1881 - The Brown County Historical Society is formed to preserve the region's history.
  • 1917-1918 - The United States enters World War I, and many residents of Brown County serve in the military.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county, but federal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provide employment opportunities.
  • 1960 - The population of Brown County reaches its peak at around 23,000 residents.
  • 1970s - Brown County begins facing economic challenges as industries decline, and many residents move to larger cities.
  • 1987 - The Hermann Monument, a symbol of New Ulm's German heritage, is completed and becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 2002 - The Brown County Historical Society opens the Brown County Historical Society Museum in New Ulm.