US Post Office-Crawford
a.k.a. DW04-007
144 Main St., Crawford, NE Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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 Pony Express, a mail delivery service that operated from 1860 to 1861, passed through Nebraska, carrying mail from Missouri to California.
In 1877, the Fort Robinson military post was established as a strategic location during the Indian Wars. It served as a key outpost in conflicts with Native American tribes and played a crucial role in the capture of famed Lakota Sioux Chief Crazy Horse in 1877. The fort became an essential supply center and played a significant role in the development of the region.
Dawes County was officially established on February 19, 1885, and was named after Henry L. Dawes, a United States Senator from Massachusetts who played a prominent role in the passage of the Dawes Act of 1887. This act aimed to encourage Native Americans to assimilate into American society by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments. The county's first settlement, Chadron, was selected as the county seat.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dawes County experienced growth and development. Agriculture became a primary industry, with settlers cultivating crops and raising livestock. The county also saw the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. Today, Dawes County preserves its history through museums, heritage sites, and events that celebrate its Native American and pioneer roots. It continues to be a vibrant and evolving community in the western part of Nebraska.
Dawes County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dawes County, Nebraska.
- 1853 - The area of Dawes County, NE is originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux and Cheyenne.
- 1876 - The U.S. government signs the Treaty of Fort Laramie, opening up the area to settlement by non-Native Americans.
- 1883 - Dawes County is officially established, named after James W. Dawes, a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska.
- 1884 - The first county seat is established in Dawes City, which is later moved to Chadron in 1885.
- 1886 - The Chadron State Normal School (now Chadron State College) is founded, becoming an important educational institution for the county.
- 1891 - The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad reaches Chadron, opening up the area to increased transportation and commerce.
- 1910 - The Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is established in the southwestern corner of Dawes County.
- 1935 - The Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is established, encompassing parts of Dawes County and becoming a popular tourist destination.
- 1960s-1970s - The American Indian Movement (AIM) gains prominence, leading to activism and protests in and around Dawes County.
- 2000s - Dawes County experiences economic growth and diversification, with agriculture, education, and tourism being major contributors to the local economy.