Federal Courthouse and Post Office
a.k.a. Plains Art Museum
521 Main Ave., Moorhead, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
The first skyway system in the United States was built in Minneapolis in 1962, allowing for indoor pedestrian travel between buildings in the downtown area.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region. The establishment of a fur trading post by the American Fur Company in 1812 marked the beginning of a more permanent presence of European-Americans in the area. The fur trade served as a major economic activity for the early settlers.
In 1871, Clay County was officially organized and named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. The county's development accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. This transportation infrastructure facilitated the growth of agricultural and industrial activities, boosting the county's economy.
Over the years, Clay County has faced various challenges and triumphs. It experienced periods of economic prosperity, such as during the 1920s when the sugar beet industry boomed. The Great Depression of the 1930s caused significant hardships, but the county rebounded during World War II with its agricultural resources being utilized for the war effort.
Today, Clay County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community. It is home to several cities, including Moorhead, which is known for its educational institutions, including Minnesota State University Moorhead. The county also boasts recreational opportunities, such as the Buffalo River State Park and the Red River of the North, which provide outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.
Clay County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clay County, Minnesota.
- 1858 - Clay County was established on March 8, 1858, as one of the original nine counties in the Minnesota Territory.
- 1869 - The city of Moorhead was founded on October 6, 1869, as a railroad hub and quickly became the county seat.
- 1871 - The first courthouse was completed in Moorhead in 1871.
- 1872 - The first newspaper in Clay County, the Moorhead Enterprise, was established in 1872.
- 1878 - The Great Northern Railway reached Moorhead in 1878, connecting the city to the west coast and promoting further growth.
- 1881 - Concordia College, a private liberal arts college, was founded in Moorhead in 1881.
- 1885 - The Clay County Historical Society, now known as the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, was established in 1885.
- 1926 - The current Clay County Courthouse, a notable example of Renaissance Revival architecture, was completed in Moorhead in 1926.
- 1997 - The Hjemkomst Center, a cultural heritage museum, was opened in Moorhead in 1997, showcasing the replica of a Viking ship.