Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
27 East Broadway, Little Falls, Minnesota
( Marker is at the intersection of Broadway (State Highway 27) and Wood Street, on the right when traveling west on Broadway.)

Little Falls Historic Landmark

  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 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
Morrison County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The region was originally inhabited by Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods. However, in the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, leading to significant changes.

In 1838, the area that is now Morrison County was part of a territorial land grab by the United States government. The Treaty of St. Peters opened up the region for settlement, and settlers quickly flocked to the area, attracted by the abundance of timber and fertile land. The first permanent white settlement in the county was established in 1849 by a group of Franciscan missionaries.

The county's economy was initially based on logging, as the lush forests provided ample resources for the burgeoning timber industry. Sawmills sprang up throughout the area, and Morrison County became one of the largest lumber producers in Minnesota. As the logging industry thrived, the county experienced a population boom, with immigrants from Germany, Poland, and other European countries arriving to work in the timber sector.

Over the years, Morrison County has witnessed various social and economic developments. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century revolutionized transportation in the region, allowing for easier movement of goods and people. The logging industry began to decline in the early 20th century due to deforestation and changing market demands. However, agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became an important economic driver for the county.

Today, Morrison County is a mixture of rural communities and small towns. It embraces its historical heritage and is home to several museums, including The Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, celebrating the famous aviator's early life in the county. The county continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, ensuring a bright future for the residents of Morrison County.

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

  • 1851: Morrison County was established on February 25.
  • 1852: The first settlers arrived in the area, primarily from Maine.
  • 1856: The city of Little Falls was platted and designated as the county seat.
  • 1860: The population of Morrison County reached over 2,000 people.
  • 1874: The first railroad reached Morrison County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1878: Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr., father of aviator Charles Lindbergh, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1884: The first county fair was held in Little Falls.
  • 1889: Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr., the famous aviator, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1894: The famous Zoar Methodist Church was constructed in the county.
  • 1914: The current courthouse in Little Falls was built.
  • 1920: The prohibition era began, leading to an increase in illegal alcohol production and distribution in the county.
  • 1950: Morrison County experienced a period of economic growth with new industries and a growing population.
  • 1964: Charles Lindbergh, Jr.'s childhood home in Little Falls became a state historic site.
  • 1997: The Charles A. Lindbergh State Park was established in Morrison County.