National Register Listing

Old Clovis Post Office

a.k.a. Clovis-Carver Public Library

4th and Mitchell Sts., Clovis, NM
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
  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.

post office
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
In the early 1800s, New Mexico became an important center for trade along the Santa Fe Trail, which connected Missouri to Santa Fe. The trail was used by traders, trappers, and settlers to transport goods and supplies across the frontier.
New Mexico random facts
Curry County is a county located in the eastern region of the state of New Mexico, USA. The area that is now Curry County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Apache, and Navajo. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-1800s, and the region saw an influx of ranchers and farmers.

In 1902, Curry County was officially established, named after the territorial governor, George Curry. The county seat was initially located in nearby Pleasant Hill before being moved to its present location in Clovis in 1909. The newly formed county quickly became known for its agricultural activities, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching.

One notable event in the history of Curry County occurred in 1931 with the establishment of Cannon Air Force Base. The base, initially called Army Air Base, was created as a result of the growing military presence in the country and played an important role during World War II and the subsequent years. Cannon Air Force Base continues to be an essential part of the county's economy and is a major employer in the region.

In recent decades, Curry County has seen significant growth and development. The county has diversified its economy, with industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing contributing to its prosperity. Additionally, the county has become a regional hub for education, with several colleges and universities offering a range of programs.

Overall, Curry County has a rich history that encompasses Native American settlements, pioneer days, military presence, and economic diversification, all of which have shaped the county into what it is today.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Curry County, New Mexico.

  • 1876: Curry County is officially established by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature.
  • 1907: Clovis is incorporated as the county seat of Curry County.
  • 1928: The discovery of oil in Curry County leads to an economic boom.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army establishes Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County.
  • 1967: The Curry County Fair is first held, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1991: The National Parks Service designates the Clovis site as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 2019: Curry County celebrates its 143rd anniversary.