Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
720 West St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, Minnesota
( Marker is at the intersection of St. Germain Street and 8th Avenue, on the left when traveling west on St. Germain Street.)

1936

  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 Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives, which would later become the Big Ten Conference, was held in Minneapolis in 1895.
Minnesota random facts
Stearns County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who utilized the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region. The first permanent settlement of Stearns County was established in 1851 by a group of German immigrants led by Joseph Felling. Over the next few decades, the population grew rapidly as more settlers, predominantly of German and Scandinavian descent, came to the area to farm the fertile land and establish prosperous communities.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, providing transportation and facilitating economic growth. The city of St. Cloud, the county seat, became a major trade and manufacturing hub, attracting businesses and industries.

Stearns County also played a role in the development of the granite industry in Minnesota. Granite quarries were established in the county, and local granite was used in the construction of various landmarks, including the Minnesota State Capitol building.

Throughout the 20th century, the county continued to grow and diversify its economy, including the expansion of the healthcare and education sectors. Today, Stearns County is known for its thriving agricultural industry, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural landscapes, making it a desirable place to live and visit in Minnesota.

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

  • 1855 - Stearns County is established as one of the original nine counties of Minnesota Territory.
  • 1856 - The town of Saint Cloud, now the county seat, is platted.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 breaks out, causing significant unrest and forcing many settlers to flee the area temporarily.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse, a simple wooden structure, is built in Saint Cloud.
  • 1886 - The current Stearns County Courthouse, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, is completed in Saint Cloud.
  • 1901 - The Great Northern Railway arrives in Stearns County, further boosting the region's economy.
  • 1928 - The College of Saint Benedict, a Roman Catholic women's college, is founded in St. Joseph.
  • 1938 - The Stearns History Museum is established in St. Cloud, showcasing the county's history and culture.
  • 1960 - Interstate 94 is completed, providing improved transportation access to Stearns County.
  • 2001 - The Stearns County Heritage Center, housing the County Museum and Historical Society, opens its doors.