Historical Marker

Grassy Butte Post Office Museum

Historical marker location:
Grassy Butte, North Dakota
( Marker is at the intersection of Museum Drive and Main Streett, on the right when traveling north on Museum Drive.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of North Dakota.
North Dakota was the first state to have a state-owned flour mill, which was established in 1922. The mill helped to create a stable market for North Dakota wheat and has since become a major supplier of flour to bakeries and food companies across the country.
North Dakota random facts
McKenzie County, North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes. The region was primarily inhabited by the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes, who thrived along the Missouri River. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes to the area.

In the late 1800s, European immigrants began to settle in McKenzie County, driven by the promise of fertile land and economic opportunities. The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the area further facilitated settlement and the growth of towns. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with wheat farming dominating the landscape. The county also experienced a boom in cattle ranching during this period.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought about a dramatic transformation in McKenzie County. With the development of the Bakken Formation, an enormous oil reserve located beneath the county, the area experienced a surge in population and economic activity. New towns and oil-related infrastructure sprung up, attracting workers from across the country. This oil boom not only stimulated the local economy but also presented challenges related to infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental concerns.

Today, McKenzie County continues to be a major oil-producing region, contributing significantly to North Dakota's overall oil production. Alongside the oil industry, agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle farming, remains an important economic sector. The county's history, from its Native American heritage to its role in shaping North Dakota's oil industry, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the people who have called McKenzie County home.

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

  • 1905 - McKenzie County established
  • 1914 - First oil well drilled in McKenzie County
  • 1920s - Oil boom in the county
  • 1930s - Great Depression affects the county
  • 1950s - Oil production declines
  • 1970s - Oil industry revitalized in the county
  • 2010 - Population and economic growth due to the oil boom
  • 2020 - Infrastructure improvements and diversification of the economy