National Register Listing

US Post Office-Lovelock Main

a.k.a. Lovelock Main Post Office

390 Main St., Lovelock, NV
Local significance of the building:
Art; 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.

art politics government architecture post office
Nevada was once the world's largest producer of silver: In the late 1800s, Nevada was one of the world's largest producers of silver. The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, a massive deposit of silver ore, led to a mining boom that transformed the state.
Nevada random facts
Pershing County, located in the northwestern part of Nevada, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Shoshone people, who relied on the local resources such as the Humboldt River for sustenance. In the 19th century, European settlers began to explore the region, and it eventually became part of the United States when Nevada achieved statehood in 1864.

The county earned its name from General John J. Pershing, a renowned military leader who played a significant role in the county's history. During the early 20th century, Pershing County experienced a mining boom, with the discovery of gold and silver deposits in the area. The town of Lovelock, named after George Lovelock, a local entrepreneur, grew rapidly as miners flocked to the region in search of riches. The mining industry became the backbone of the county's economy, with various mines operating in the area.

In the mid-20th century, Pershing County became known for its military presence. During World War II, the U.S. Army established the Hawthorne Army Depot, a large munitions storage facility, which contributed to the local economy and provided employment opportunities for the residents. The military base remains an important aspect of Pershing County today.

In recent years, Pershing County has continued to evolve, with a focus on tourism and outdoor recreation. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the Black Rock Desert and the Rye Patch Reservoir, have attracted visitors from around the world. The annual Burning Man festival, held in the Black Rock Desert, has also put Pershing County on the map, drawing tens of thousands of participants each year. With its diverse history and natural attractions, Pershing County continues to be a compelling destination for visitors and a unique place to call home.

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

  • Pershing County was formed in 1919 from parts of Humboldt County and Churchill County.
  • In the early 1900s, the area was primarily used for silver and gold mining.
  • In the 1920s, the town of Lovelock became the county seat.
  • During World War II, the county hosted the Camp Lovelock prisoner of war camp.
  • In the 1950s, the creation of the Rye Patch Reservoir brought irrigation to the county.
  • In the 1990s, the county experienced a boom in population due to the opening of a state prison.
  • Pershing County is known for its vast open spaces, desert landscapes, and historic mining sites.