National Register Listing

US Post Office-Tonopah Main

a.k.a. Tonopah Main Post Office

201 Main St., Tonopah, 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.
The state bird of Nevada is the mountain bluebird: The mountain bluebird, a small bird with bright blue feathers, is the official state bird of Nevada.
Nevada random facts
Nye County, Nevada has a rich and intriguing history that stretches back to the early days of exploration and mining in the American West. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Western Shoshone and Paiute tribes. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers and fur trappers began venturing into the area, followed by American prospectors in the mid-1800s during the California Gold Rush.

The first major influx of settlers occurred with the discovery of silver in the area, leading to a mining boom in the late 1800s. Towns such as Rhyolite, Tonopah, and Goldfield were established and quickly grew in population. Tonopah, in particular, became a major mining center and one of the richest silver strikes in the state. The mining industry fueled the economy and attracted people from all walks of life, including miners, businessmen, and entertainers.

During the early 1900s, Nye County experienced a decline in mining due to exhausted resources and the overall economic downturn. However, the region saw a resurgence during World War II with the establishment of the Nevada Test Site, which included the infamous Area 51. The county became a center for nuclear weapons testing and scientific research, bringing both economic benefits and environmental concerns to the area.

In recent years, Nye County has become an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and individuals seeking a slower pace of life. The region is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Death Valley National Park and the Spring Mountain Range. Today, Nye County continues to witness development and growth, while also preserving its historic roots and heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Nye County, Nevada.

  • 1864: Nye County is established on February 16 as one of the original nine counties of Nevada.
  • 1875: Belmont becomes the county seat.
  • 1882: Tonopah, a major mining town, is established.
  • 1905: Goldfield replaces Belmont as the county seat.
  • 1911: Rhyolite, another prominent mining town, experiences a boom and subsequent decline.
  • 1951: The Nevada Test Site is established within Nye County for nuclear weapons testing.
  • 1995: The last underground nuclear test is conducted at the Nevada Test Site.
  • 2000: Nye County's population exceeds 32,000.