US Post Office-Lisbon
a.k.a. Lisbon Post Office
17 W. Fourth Ave., Lisbon, ND Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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 town of Rugby, North Dakota is considered to be the geographical center of North America. A stone marker in the town's courthouse square marks the exact location of the center.
The county was officially established in 1873 and named in honor of General Thomas E.G. Ransom, a prominent Civil War veteran. The early settlers faced many challenges, including harsh weather conditions and the need to break the tough prairie sod to make the land suitable for farming. Despite these challenges, agriculture flourished, and grain farming became the key economic driver in Ransom County.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ransom County saw rapid growth and development. Towns such as Lisbon, the county seat, and Enderlin became important trading centers and transportation hubs. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s further boosted the county's economy, enabling easier movement of goods and people.
Over the years, Ransom County has faced its share of challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its residents and their commitment to agriculture have helped the county thrive. Today, Ransom County remains a primarily agricultural community, with diverse crop and livestock farming, and continues to be an integral part of North Dakota's rich agricultural heritage.
Ransom County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ransom County, North Dakota.
- 1871 - Ransom County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
- 1873 - Fort Ransom is established as a U.S. military post.
- 1874 - The first permanent settlement, Lisbon, is founded.
- 1882 - The Jamestown, Valley City and Northern Railroad is built, connecting the county to the national rail network.
- 1910 - North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) establishes an experimental station in Lisbon.
- 1914 - The Lisbon Opera House, a cultural and entertainment hub, is constructed.
- 1930 - The Great Depression hits Ransom County, causing economic hardships for many residents.
- 1951 - The Sheyenne Valley Electric Cooperative is formed, bringing electricity to rural areas of the county.
- 1975 - The Ransom County Courthouse, built in 1883, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1997 - The Lisbon Bohnenkamp-Murphy House, a historic residential property, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.