US Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Devils Lake Post Office

502 4th St., Devils Lake, ND

Local significance of the building:

Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

About National Register Listings

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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings

North Dakota has the highest percentage of residents of Norwegian ancestry of any state in the U.S. Today, many towns and cities in the state still celebrate their Norwegian heritage with festivals, parades, and other events.

About Ramsey County

Ramsey County, North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe, who utilized the land for hunting and fishing. In the early 1800s, European fur trappers and traders began exploring the region, establishing trade routes along the Red River.

In 1871, Captain William H. Jackman established a trading post near the confluence of the Pembina and Red Rivers, which later became the town of St. Paul, the first permanent settlement in the area. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1882 fostered further growth and development in the county, with new towns such as Devils Lake and Egeland popping up.

The late 19th century brought significant change to Ramsey County. It was officially organized in 1883 and named after Alexander Ramsey, who served as both the territorial governor of Minnesota and the Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes. The county experienced an agricultural boom with the introduction of new farming techniques and machinery, attracting settlers from all over the country.

Ramsey County played a significant role in world history during World War II. The county was home to the Ramsey County Army Airfield, which was used for training B-25 bomber crews. The airfield was instrumental in preparing airmen for combat, and its impact can still be felt in the community today.

Throughout its history, Ramsey County has faced both challenges and triumphs, but it remains a vibrant and resilient community. Today, the county continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, while also preserving its historical landmarks and rich cultural heritage.

Ramsey County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ramsey County, North Dakota.

Ramsey County, ND is established in 1873.
In 1881, the city of Devils Lake is founded.
The Great Northern Railway reaches Devils Lake in 1882.
Devils Lake becomes the county seat in 1883.
In 1891, the county experiences a devastating fire which destroys much of the city of Devils Lake.
The Devils Lake region becomes an agricultural hub in the early 1900s.
In 1943, Camp Grafton is established as a military training center in Ramsey County.
The Devils Lake Basin experiences severe flooding in 1997, causing significant damage to the area.
In 2003, the Spirit Lake Nation breaks ground for a new casino in Devils Lake.
Ramsey County celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009.