National Register Listing

United States Post Office, Fairmont

51-55 Downtown Plaza, Fairmont, MN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
  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.

politics government commerce post office
The first European to explore Minnesota was French explorer Jean Nicolet in 1634. He traveled along Lake Michigan and the Fox River and likely reached the present-day state of Minnesota.
Minnesota random facts
Martin County, located in southern Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux. These tribes lived off the land and relied on hunting, fishing, and farming for sustenance.

The first European exploration of the area occurred in the 1800s, with French and Spanish fur traders making contact with the Native Americans in the Mississippi River Valley. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that Martin County began to be settled by Europeans. In 1857, the county was officially established and named after Henry Martin, a pioneer settler.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s played a significant role in the development of Martin County. This led to the growth of towns and villages, such as Fairmont, the county seat. Fairmont quickly became a hub of economic activity, with industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and banking flourishing.

Over the years, Martin County has faced various challenges and experienced milestones. The county has seen periods of economic growth and decline, adapting to changes in industry and technology. Today, Martin County continues to be a vibrant community with a strong agricultural presence, thriving businesses, and a rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1857 - Martin County is established as a county in the state of Minnesota.
  • 1862 - The county's first white settlers arrive.
  • 1867 - The city of Fairmont is platted and becomes the county seat.
  • 1871 - The first railroad is built in the county, connecting Fairmont to other towns.
  • 1875 - A tornado devastates the city of Welcome.
  • 1890 - The population of the county reaches over 10,000 people.
  • 1903 - The Minnesota State Hospital for Crippled and Deformed Children is established in Martin County.
  • 1940s - Martin County experiences a decline in population due to the Great Depression and outmigration.
  • 1970 - The city of Truman becomes the second-largest city in the county.
  • 2002 - The county celebrates its 145th anniversary.
  • 2019 - Martin County is known for its beautiful lakes, parks, and recreational activities.