U.S. Post Office-Alexandria
a.k.a. Old U.S. Post Office Building;Crown Realty Inc. Building
625 Broadway St., Alexandria, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
Minnesota was the first state to establish a charter school law in 1991, allowing for more independent and innovative educational opportunities.
The county was officially established in 1858 and named after Stephen A. Douglas, the U.S. Senator from Illinois. Early settlement was challenging due to the lack of infrastructure and harsh weather conditions. However, the discovery of natural resources such as timber and iron ore brought new opportunities for growth and development. Logging became a prominent industry, with sawmills popping up along the many lakes and rivers of the county.
In the late 1800s, agriculture became the backbone of Douglas County's economy. As more settlers arrived, farms started to dominate the landscape, and the county became known for its bountiful crops of wheat, corn, and oats. The development of railroads further facilitated the transportation of goods and fueled the county's economic growth.
Over the years, Douglas County has undergone significant transformations. The decline of the logging industry in the early 20th century led to a shift towards other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare. Today, the county is home to a diversified economy, with a range of industries including agriculture, healthcare services, education, and tourism contributing to its vitality.
Throughout its history, Douglas County has remained resilient, adapting to the changing times while preserving its natural beauty and small-town charm. From its early days as a frontier territory to its current status as a thriving community, the county's rich heritage continues to shape its present and future.
Douglas County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Douglas County, Minnesota.
- 1858 - Douglas County is established, named after Stephen A. Douglas, a politician from Illinois.
- 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 results in the evacuation of settlers from Douglas County.
- 1865 - Settlers begin to return to the area and repopulate Douglas County.
- 1887 - Alexandria, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
- 1890 - The population of Douglas County reaches over 16,000 residents.
- 1910 - The automobile industry begins to have an impact on transportation in the county.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic challenges to Douglas County.
- 1940s - Douglas County experiences an increase in population and economic growth after World War II.
- 1957 - The Interstate Highway System is established, connecting Douglas County to other parts of Minnesota.
- 1970s - The construction of Interstate 94 is completed, further improving transportation in the county.
- 2000 - The population of Douglas County reaches over 32,000 residents.