US Post Office-Dickinson
a.k.a. Dickinson Post Office
15 E. First St., Dickinson, 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 arrival of European settlers in the 1800s brought about significant changes to the region. German and Scandinavian immigrants established farms and ranches, drawn to the fertile soil and vast expanses of grassland. The town of Dickinson, now the county seat of Stark County, was founded in 1881 and quickly grew as a trade and supply center for the surrounding region.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in North Dakota had a transformative impact on Stark County. The county experienced an influx of prospectors and oil workers, leading to a boom in population and economic activity. Oil wells sprang up across the county, bringing both prosperity and challenges to the area.
Over the years, Stark County has weathered economic ups and downs. Agricultural practices have evolved, with advancements in technology and changes in market demand. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy, with oil production and related industries providing employment and revenue.
Today, Stark County is a vibrant community that combines its agricultural heritage with modern industries. Its diverse landscape, including the beautiful Badlands to the west, makes it a tourist destination and an attractive place to live. As the county continues to grow and adapt to changing times, it honors its past while embracing the opportunities of the future.
Stark County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Stark County, North Dakota.
- 1832: The Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area that would later become Stark County.
- 1872: The first settlers arrive in the county.
- 1879: Stark County is officially organized and named after General John Stark.
- 1881: The first post office is established in Dickinson, the county seat.
- 1901: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches Dickinson, boosting economic growth.
- 1914: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom and rapid development.
- 1936: Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park is established near Medora.
- 1953: The construction of the Dickinson Dam is completed, providing flood control and recreation opportunities.
- 1978: The Dakota Dinosaur Museum opens in Dickinson, showcasing fossil collections.
- 1991: The Enchanted Highway, a collection of large scrap metal sculptures, is completed.