National Register Listing

United States Post Office-Kansas City

a.k.a. Main Post Office Building, Kansas City

315 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
  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.

architecture politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The town of Hermann, Missouri, is known for its wineries and German heritage. It was founded in 1837 by a group of German immigrants and is home to the annual Hermann Maifest, a celebration of German culture and traditions.
Missouri random facts
Jackson County, Missouri, located in the midwestern United States, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kansas. The first European settlement was established in 1821, and the county was officially organized in 1826, named after President Andrew Jackson.

In the early 19th century, Jackson County became an important starting point for westward expansion and the Oregon Trail. It also played a significant role in the American Civil War. At the outbreak of the war, tensions between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions ran high in the county. As a border county, it experienced violent conflicts, looting, and the devastating guerrilla warfare of the notorious Confederate guerrilla leader, William Quantrill.

After the Civil War, Jackson County saw rapid urbanization and economic growth. Kansas City, the county seat, emerged as a major transportation hub due to its location along the Missouri River and the establishment of railroads in the area. Prosperity continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the development of industries such as meatpacking, manufacturing, and agriculture.

In recent years, Jackson County has faced challenges such as urban decay in certain areas and racial segregation. However, ongoing revitalization efforts, including investments in infrastructure and public amenities, have helped to transform the county into a thriving metropolitan area. Today, Jackson County is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, historical landmarks like the Kansas City Union Station, and strong community spirit.

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

  • 1826 - Jackson County is established
  • 1830 - Independence becomes the county seat
  • 1834 - The Missouri Mormon War takes place in the county
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, Union forces occupy the county
  • 1881 - The Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad is completed
  • 1901 - The first permanent automobile bridge is built over the Missouri River
  • 1922 - Construction of the Jackson County Courthouse begins
  • 1967 - The Truman Sports Complex is completed
  • 1986 - The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum opens to the public