US Post Office
221 N. Kendrick, Glendive, MT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Montana in 1805-1806, on their journey to explore the western portion of the United States. They traveled up the Missouri River and crossed the Rocky Mountains, encountering many Native American tribes and documenting the flora and fauna of the region.
The area now known as Dawson County was first explored by European fur trappers and traders in the early 19th century. It was not until the 1860s, however, that permanent settlements began to emerge. Fort Pease, established in 1866, became an important trading center and served as a hub for the region's growing population.
The discovery of gold in the nearby Cretaceous Mountains in the 1870s brought an influx of prospectors and miners to the area. This led to the establishment of several mining towns, including Glendive, the county seat of Dawson County. The mining industry boomed for a time, but eventually declined as the easily accessible gold deposits were exhausted.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dawson County transitioned from a mining-based economy to one focused on agriculture. The region's fertile soil and abundant water resources made it ideal for farming and ranching. Today, agriculture remains a major economic driver for the county, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the primary agricultural products.
Over the years, Dawson County has faced various challenges, including droughts, economic downturns, and changes in industry. Nonetheless, it has persevered and continues to be a thriving community rooted in its rich history, natural beauty, and resilient spirit.
Dawson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dawson County, Montana.
- 1880 - Dawson County is established as a county in the state of Montana.
- 1882 - The town of Glendive is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1892 - The Milwaukee Road railway reaches Glendive, spurring growth in the area.
- 1907 - The first oil well in eastern Montana is drilled in Dawson County.
- 1920s - Prohibition leads to an increase in illegal bootlegging activities in the county.
- 1942 - Dawson County Airport is established near Glendive.
- 1958 - The Intake Diversion Dam is constructed on the Yellowstone River, providing irrigation water to farmers in Dawson County.
- 1975 - The Makoshika State Park is established in the county, showcasing unique badlands formations.
- 1997 - The Dawson County Fairgrounds are renovated and expanded to accommodate more events and exhibits.
- 2008 - Glendive's historic buildings and downtown area are added to the National Register of Historic Places.