Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse (Old City Hall)

Historical marker location:
Lincoln, Nebraska
( Marker is on O Street (U.S. 34) west of 10th Street, on the right when traveling west.)

  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.

Nebraska has a unique unicameral legislature, which means it has only one house of representatives instead of the traditional two houses found in most states.
Nebraska random facts
Lancaster County, located in Nebraska, has a rich and varied history. The region's history dates back to the ancestral lands of the Pawnee and Otoe tribes, who lived along the Salt Creek in the 1700s. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, drawn by the fertile soil and the promise of cheap land.

The first permanent European settlement in the area was founded in 1856 when more than 100 settlers established Lancaster, named after the former president, Abraham Lincoln's hometown in Pennsylvania. The next year, Lancaster was designated as the county seat, and in 1867, the county was officially named Lancaster County.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lancaster County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new towns and the expansion of existing ones. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with crops like corn and wheat becoming major exports.

Lancaster County also played a significant role in the fight for civil rights and equality. In the early 20th century, the city of Lincoln, located within the county, became a center for civil rights activism, with organizations like the National Negro Business League and the Lincoln NAACP working towards social and political change.

Overall, Lancaster County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and the ongoing efforts of its residents to build a vibrant and inclusive community. From its Native American roots to its status as a thriving agricultural and cultural hub, the county continues to evolve and shape the history of Nebraska.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lancaster County, Nebraska.

  • 1859 - Lancaster County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1864 - The city of Lincoln is chosen as the capital of Nebraska.
  • 1867 - The University of Nebraska is founded in Lincoln.
  • 1871 - The first railroad, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, enters Lancaster County.
  • 1904 - The State Capitol building in Lincoln is completed.
  • 1937 - The University of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium is built.
  • 1969 - The Lincoln Children's Zoo opens to the public.
  • 1987 - The Haymarket Park baseball stadium is constructed.
  • 2001 - Lincoln's Pinnacle Bank Arena is completed, becoming the home of the University of Nebraska basketball teams.