National Register Listing

US Post Office-Elko Main

a.k.a. Elko Main Post Office

275 Third, Elko, NV
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of Nevada.
Nevada was once part of Mexico: Before it became part of the United States, Nevada was part of Mexico's Alta California territory. In fact, the state's name comes from the Spanish word for "snow-covered," a reference to the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Nevada random facts
Elko County, located in northeast Nevada, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shoshone and Northern Paiute, who survived through hunting, gathering, and trading. European exploration began in the early 1800s as trappers and traders made their way through the region.

In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold and silver in Elko County led to a significant influx of settlers in the area. The town of Elko was established in 1868, and mining boomed as prospectors flocked to the region in search of riches. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 further fueled growth, as Elko became an important transportation hub for the area.

Elko County also played a crucial role in the development of the American West and the expansion of the United States. The completion of the First Transcontinental Telegraph Line in 1861 had a profound impact on communications in the region, linking Elko to the rest of the country. The area also became a vital stop on the Pony Express route, as riders and horses were exchanged at the Elko relay station.

Over the years, Elko County has experienced various shifts in its economy. While mining remains an important industry, the county has also diversified its economy to include ranching, agriculture, and tourism. The small towns and rural communities that dot the county continue to celebrate the region's history and maintain a strong sense of community pride. Today, Elko County is known for its vibrant arts scene, annual events such as the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and its stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Elko County, Nevada.

  • 1868 - Elko County is established on March 5.
  • 1870 - The county's population reaches 3,000.
  • 1881 - The completion of the Central Pacific Railroad brings increased economic activity to Elko County.
  • 1911 - Elko becomes the county seat.
  • 1918 - The last major Native American conflict in Elko County occurs.
  • 1931 - The construction of the Hoover Dam results in increased traffic through Elko County.
  • 1942-1945 - Elko County is a major site for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
  • 1985 - The Carlin Trend, a major gold mining district, is discovered in Elko County.