Historical Marker

Auburn Post Office Mural

Historical marker location:
1320 Courthouse Ave, Auburn, Nebraska
( Marker is on Courthouse Avenue south of 13th Street, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 2013

  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 first Kool-Aid drink mix was invented in Hastings, Nebraska by Edwin Perkins in 1927.
Nebraska random facts
Nemaha County, Nebraska has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Otoe and Pawnee tribes, who relied on the fertile land along the Missouri River for sustenance.

The first permanent settlement in Nemaha County was established in 1854 by European-American settlers. The town of Brownville, located along the river, quickly became an important trading center and served as the county seat. Brownville played a significant role in the early development of the region, attracting settlers, traders, and entrepreneurs.

In the late 1850s, Nemaha County experienced a period of rapid growth as more settlers arrived in the area. Towns like Peru and Auburn were established, and agriculture flourished as farmers took advantage of the fertile soil. Schools, churches, and businesses were established, further solidifying the county's development.

Nemaha County was formally organized in 1855, and it has since seen numerous milestones and changes. Over the years, the county has remained an agricultural area, focusing on grain production, livestock, and dairy farming. Today, Nemaha County continues to thrive, blending its rich history with a commitment to progress and prosperity.

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

  • 1854 - Nemaha County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1855 - The first log cabin is built in the county.
  • 1856 - The county's first school, Nemaha City School, is established.
  • 1857 - Nemaha City becomes the county seat.
  • 1858 - The first newspaper, "The Nemaha Pioneer," is published in Brownville.
  • 1862 - The county's first courthouse is built in Nemaha City.
  • 1865 - Brownville becomes the new county seat.
  • 1868 - The first railroad is completed in the county, connecting Brownville to Nebraska City.
  • 1871 - The county's second courthouse is built in Auburn.
  • 1873 - The town of Peru is founded.
  • 1886 - Construction of a new courthouse in Auburn is completed.
  • 1912 - The village of Johnson is incorporated.
  • 1925 - The town of Brock is incorporated.
  • 1955 - The Missouri River Flood damages several communities in the county.
  • 1987 - The Peru State College campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1997 - The Nemaha County Historical Society is established in Auburn.