US Post Office-Geneva
a.k.a. FM05-126
202 N. 9th St., Geneva, 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.
During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner-of-war camps, which housed German and Italian soldiers.
The first settlements in Fillmore County were primarily made by pioneers from the eastern United States, seeking new opportunities and fertile land for farming. The arrival of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad in the late 1870s further accelerated the county's growth, as it brought new businesses and improved transportation options.
Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Fillmore County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, and crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat have been the dominant agricultural products. Livestock farming, including dairy and beef cattle, has also played a significant role in the county's prosperity.
Over the years, Fillmore County has evolved and diversified its economy. Along with agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education have become important sectors. The county is home to several schools, including Fillmore Central Community Schools, which serves students from various towns within the county.
Throughout its history, Fillmore County has faced challenges such as drought, economic fluctuations, and the decline of small family farms. However, the community has always shown resilience and adaptability. Today, Fillmore County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while striving for economic growth and providing a high quality of life for its residents.
Fillmore County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fillmore County, Nebraska.
- 1856 - Fillmore County is established as one of the original 19 counties in the Nebraska Territory.
- 1862 - The first settler, Joseph Clutter, arrives in the county.
- 1868 - The town of Geneva is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1871 - The county courthouse is constructed in Geneva.
- 1878 - The Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad is built through the county, improving transportation.
- 1881 - The town of Fairmont is established.
- 1885 - Fillmore County experiences a population boom with many new settlements being formed.
- 1904 - The county's first hospital, Fillmore County Hospital, is built in Geneva.
- 1919 - Fillmore County suffers a devastating tornado that causes significant damage and loss of life.
- 1940s - The agricultural economy of Fillmore County expands with the introduction of new farming technologies.
- 1975 - The new Fillmore County Courthouse is built in Geneva.
- 1993 - The town of Exeter celebrates its centennial.
- 2010 - Fillmore County has a population of approximately 5,890 people.