National Register Listing

US Post Office-Oakes

a.k.a. Oakes Post Office

611 Main Ave., Oakes, ND
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

economics politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of North Dakota.
North Dakota was the first state to provide free high school education to all of its residents, starting in 1905. This early commitment to education helped North Dakota develop one of the highest rates of high school graduation in the country.
North Dakota random facts
Dickey County is located in the southeastern part of North Dakota. The area that is now Dickey County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe people. In the late 19th century, European settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the availability of fertile land.

The county was officially established on October 26, 1881, and named after George H. Dickey, a prominent judge and politician in the North Dakota territorial government. The county seat was initially located in Ellendale, a town that had been established a few years earlier. Ellendale quickly grew into a bustling community, attracting businesses and settlers from all over.

The early economy of Dickey County was primarily agricultural, with farmers growing wheat, oats, barley, and other crops. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the county, providing farmers with improved access to markets for their products. The arrival of the railroad also led to the establishment of additional towns, such as Oakes and Forbes.

Over the years, Dickey County has faced challenges and changes, including the Great Depression and the decline of small family farms. However, the county has adapted and diversified its economy to include other industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Today, Dickey County continues to be a vibrant and tight-knit community, with a rich history and a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dickey County, North Dakota.

  • 1882 - Dickey County was established
  • 1883 - The first county government officers were elected
  • 1885 - Ellendale became the county seat
  • 1890 - The population of Dickey County reached 9,991
  • 1916 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad arrived in the county
  • 1927 - The Dickey County Courthouse was constructed
  • 1950 - The population of Dickey County peaked at 11,751
  • 1973 - The Dickey County Historical Society Museum was established
  • 1988 - A tornado struck towns within Dickey County, causing significant damage
  • 2010 - The population of Dickey County was recorded as 5,289