National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

2401 Central Ave., Kearney, NE
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
  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.

architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of Nebraska.
The University of Nebraska was founded in 1869, just two years after Nebraska became a state.
Nebraska random facts
Buffalo County, located in the state of Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Sioux. These tribes relied on the Platte River for hunting, fishing, and transportation.

European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century, with French trappers and traders venturing into the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Buffalo County saw significant settlement. The passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land, led to a wave of migration into the area. Many immigrants from Europe, primarily German and Scandinavian immigrants, flocked to Buffalo County in search of a better life.

The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s greatly influenced Buffalo County's growth. The railroad provided a direct link to larger cities and markets, making the transportation of goods and people much easier. This led to the development of small towns along the railroad lines, such as Kearney, the county seat of Buffalo County. Kearney quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and industries to the area.

Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Buffalo County's economy. The fertile soils, combined with the region's ample water supply from the Platte River, have made it ideal for farming. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops for their own consumption. However, as technology advanced and transportation improved, Buffalo County became known for its production of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

Today, Buffalo County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It boasts a strong agricultural sector, a thriving retail and manufacturing industry, and a variety of educational and cultural institutions. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through the numerous museums and historical sites that showcase its past. Buffalo County remains a testament to the hard work and perseverance of its early settlers, who transformed a vast prairie into a prosperous and thriving community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Buffalo County, Nebraska.

  • 1830s - Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha, inhabit the land that is now Buffalo County.
  • 1846 - The area becomes part of the Nebraska Territory after the United States acquires the land through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
  • 1860 - Buffalo County is established and named after the herds of buffalo that roamed the region in the past.
  • 1871 - The city of Kearney is founded as the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad is constructed, which helps spur growth and economic development in Buffalo County.
  • 1882 - The University of Nebraska at Kearney is established, becoming an important educational institution in the region.
  • 1888 - Buffalo County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural practices and hold annual county fairs.
  • 1915 - Fort Kearny State Historical Park is established to preserve the history of the nearby fort and provide recreational opportunities.
  • 1930s - Buffalo County experiences the effects of the Great Depression, leading to economic challenges and government intervention.
  • 1942-1945 - The Kearney Army Airfield is constructed and serves as a training base for thousands of World War II pilots.
  • 1976 - The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is built near Kearney, commemorating the area's role in westward expansion.
  • 1997 - The Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center opens, honoring the dedication and bravery of firefighters.
  • 2019 - Buffalo County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.