National Register Listing

US Post Office-Grafton

a.k.a. Grafton Post Office

506 S. Griggs Ave., Grafton, ND
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; 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.

community planning and development economics politics government architecture post office
North Dakota is home to several historic forts, including Fort Abraham Lincoln, which was the home of General George Custer and his troops before the Battle of Little Bighorn.
North Dakota random facts
Walsh County, located in northeastern North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for their livelihood. European settlers began arriving in the area in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of Walsh County.

The county was officially organized in 1881 and named after George H. Walsh, a prominent attorney and politician who played a key role in advocating for the creation of North Dakota as a state. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, as settlers found the fertile soil and favorable climate ideal for growing crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. Many towns and small communities were established throughout the county to support the thriving agricultural industry.

As the county grew, so did its infrastructure. Railroads were constructed, connecting Walsh County to larger markets and promoting further economic growth. Several towns, including Grafton, Park River, and Minto, became major trading centers and hubs of activity. Education also played a significant role in the county's development, with the establishment of numerous schools to support the growing population.

Over the years, Walsh County has faced its fair share of challenges, including periods of economic downturn, natural disasters, and depopulation due to urbanization and changes in agricultural practices. However, the county has also shown resilience and adaptability, with local communities banding together to overcome these obstacles and maintain a strong sense of pride in their history and heritage. Today, Walsh County continues to be an important agricultural region in North Dakota, while also benefiting from diversification in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.

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

  • 1790s - The area that would later become Walsh County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe and Sioux.
  • 1803 - The United States acquires the region as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1869 - Walsh County is established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature and named after George H. Walsh, a newspaperman and politician.
  • 1870s - European settlers, primarily of Scandinavian and German descent, begin to immigrate to the area and establish farms.
  • 1881 - Grafton is designated as the county seat of Walsh County.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and livestock as the main products.
  • 1910s-1920s - The Great Northern Railway and the Northern Pacific Railway expand into the county, enhancing transportation and opening new opportunities for trade.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and drought hit Walsh County hard, causing economic hardships for farmers and a decline in population.
  • 1960s-1970s - The construction of Interstate 29 connects Walsh County to major cities in North Dakota and neighboring states, improving transportation infrastructure.
  • Today, Walsh County continues to be an important agricultural region, known for its fertile soils, diverse crops, and strong community spirit.