Historical Marker

Union Hotel & Post Office

Historical marker location:
114 Main Street, Dayton, Nevada
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Pike Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1973

  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.

Nevada is home to the driest place in North America: The driest place in North America, Death Valley, is located just east of the Nevada border.
Nevada random facts
Lyon County, located in western Nevada, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Washoe, who lived off the land and thrived in the region's favorable climate. In the early 1800s, however, the arrival of European fur traders and explorers drastically changed the landscape.

The county's history took a significant turn in 1850 with the discovery of gold and silver in the region. The mining boom attracted thousands of prospectors to Lyon County, leading to the establishment of towns such as Dayton and Silver City. The discovery of the Comstock Lode near Virginia City in the 1850s further bolstered Lyon County's economy and population.

During this period, Lyon County also played an important role in the Pony Express, a groundbreaking mail delivery service that connected the East and West Coasts of the United States. Stations along the Pony Express route provided essential support to riders as they made their perilous journey across the West.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lyon County experienced a decline in mining and agricultural industries. However, the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s brought new employment opportunities to the region. The dam's completion led to the creation of Lake Mohave and the birth of recreational activities such as boating and fishing, which still draw visitors to Lyon County today.

Overall, Lyon County has a vibrant history that highlights the resilience and adaptability of its communities in the face of changing economic landscapes. From the Native American tribes to the mining boom era and beyond, the county's past continues to shape its present and future.

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

  • 1861 - Lyon County was established on November 25, 1861.
  • 1862 - Silver City, one of the first settlements in Lyon County, was founded.
  • 1862 - Dayton became the county seat of Lyon County.
  • 1866 - The Virginia and Truckee Railroad extended its line to Lyon County.
  • 1869 - The Comstock Lode, a major silver ore deposit, was discovered near Virginia City in Lyon County.
  • 1871 - Fernley, a small town in Lyon County, was founded.
  • 1890 - Yerington became the new county seat of Lyon County.
  • 1911 - Construction of Lahontan Dam began, creating Lahontan Reservoir in Lyon County.
  • 1935 - The town of Silver Springs was established in Lyon County.
  • 1965 - The Bureau of Land Management established the Fort Churchill State Historic Park in Lyon County.
  • 1987 - Incline Village, part of neighboring Washoe County, was annexed into Lyon County.
  • 2008 - The Lyon County Courthouse in Yerington was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2017 - The Tesla Gigafactory, one of the world's largest buildings, opened near Sparks in Lyon County.