National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Courthouse

118 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, MN
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
  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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The Minneapolis Millers baseball team was the first professional baseball team to play under the lights in 1930.
Minnesota random facts
Otter Tail County, located in Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with European fur traders. European explorers, such as French Canadian voyageurs, began arriving in the area in the 18th century.

In the mid-19th century, the United States government established treaties with the Native American tribes, which opened up the land for settlement. Settlers began arriving in Otter Tail County in the 1850s, primarily seeking agricultural opportunities. The county was officially organized in 1858 and named after the Otter Tail River, which runs through the area.

The pioneer era in Otter Tail County was marked by the establishment of small towns and the development of farms. The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s brought increased connectivity and economic growth to the region. The county experienced a population boom during this time, with the number of residents more than doubling between 1870 and 1880.

In the early 20th century, Otter Tail County faced challenges due to economic fluctuations and the impact of two world wars. However, the county remained resilient and continued to develop its agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Today, Otter Tail County is known for its beautiful lakes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community. It has become a popular destination for visitors and residents alike, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

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

  • 1849 - Otter Tail County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1870 - The Great Dakota Boom brings a period of rapid expansion and settlement to the region.
  • 1883 - The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches Otter Tail County, fueling further growth and development.
  • 1921 - Northwestern Minnesota is hit by a devastating tornado outbreak, including significant damage in Otter Tail County.
  • 1930 - Otter Tail County sees a decline in population due to the Great Depression and agricultural challenges.
  • 1940 - The construction of reservoirs begins, including the creation of Orwell and West McDonald lakes.
  • 1963 - The completion of the Orwell Dam leads to the formation of the Orwell Reservoir, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 1997 - Otter Tail County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2008 - The county experiences severe flooding, resulting in damaged infrastructure and property.
  • 2019 - Otter Tail County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its lakeside communities and outdoor activities.