US Post Office, Ely, Nevada
a.k.a. Ely Post Office
415 Fifth St., Ely, NV Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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.
Las Vegas was originally a stopover for travelers: Las Vegas, now known as a major tourist destination and entertainment capital, was originally just a stopover for travelers between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. It wasn't until the 1930s that the city began to develop its reputation as a gambling and entertainment destination.
The first major event in White Pine County's history was the discovery of silver in 1864, sparking a significant mining boom. The town of Hamilton quickly emerged as a prosperous mining town, attracting thousands of fortune seekers from all over the country. However, the decline of silver prices in the 1870s led to the abandonment of Hamilton and the rise of Ely as the new mining center in the county.
Ely's growth and development were closely tied to the Nevada Northern Railway, which was constructed in the early 20th century. This railway played a crucial role in transporting precious metals and other goods, supporting the flourishing mining industry. Ely became a hub for mining activities, and its population boomed as people flocked to the area in search of employment and economic opportunities.
Apart from mining, White Pine County also played a significant role in the development of nuclear energy during the mid-20th century. The Nevada Test Site, located within the county, witnessed numerous nuclear testing activities between 1951 and 1992. These tests fueled scientific research and advancements in the field of nuclear technology, leaving impacts on both the environment and local communities.
Today, White Pine County remains an important center for mining, with significant deposits of gold, copper, and other valuable minerals. It also boasts stunning natural landscapes, including Great Basin National Park, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The county's history of mining and nuclear testing has left a lasting legacy, shaping its cultural fabric and providing a glimpse into Nevada's pioneering spirit.
White Pine County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of White Pine County, Nevada.
- 1869: White Pine County is established, originally part of Lander County.
- 1870: mining boom begins in the region with the discovery of silver deposits.
- 1872: Eureka, the county seat, is founded.
- 1873: The famous Ward Charcoal Ovens are constructed near Ely.
- 1880: The population of the county reaches its peak at over 30,000 residents.
- 1897: The copper boom begins with the discovery of copper deposits in the Ely area.
- 1901: Ely is incorporated as a city.
- 1930s: The Great Depression leads to a decline in mining activities in the county.
- 1969: White Pine County celebrates its centennial year.
- 1983: The Ely Renaissance Village is established to preserve and promote the area's history.
- 1996: The Ward Charcoal Ovens are designated as a Nevada State Historic Site.
- 2008: The completion of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum Visitor Center in Ely.