National Register Listing

United States Post Office Coalgate

38 N. Main St., Coalgate, OK
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
  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 post office
The first permanent European settlement in Oklahoma was established by French fur traders in 1719 near present-day Spiro.
Oklahoma random facts
Coal County, Oklahoma, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and significant history. The county was established on November 16, 1907, just a year after Oklahoma achieved statehood. It was named after the vast coal deposits that were discovered in the area, which became a significant industry in the county for many years.

The history of Coal County can be traced back to the early 1870s when coal mining began in the region. The discovery of high-quality bituminous coal attracted numerous miners and entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of coal mines and towns. These mining operations helped fuel the growth of the county and contributed to its economic prosperity in the early 20th century.

During its peak, Coal County had over 100 active mines and was one of the leading coal-producing regions in Oklahoma. The coal industry employed thousands of workers and played a pivotal role in the development of the county's infrastructure, including the construction of railways and towns. However, the decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century led to a significant economic downturn for the area.

Despite the decline of the coal industry, Coal County has continued to evolve. Today, the county's economy is more diversified, with agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism playing important roles. The history of coal mining remains a significant part of the county's culture and heritage, with several historical sites and museums preserving its legacy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Coal County, Oklahoma.

  • 1867 - Coal County is founded as part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory.
  • 1870 - The first coal mine, the Old Alderson Mine, is established in the region.
  • 1892 - The St. Louis, Oklahoma and Southern Railway is constructed, providing transportation for coal mining operations.
  • 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Coal County is officially recognized as part of the state.
  • 1920s - Coal mining reaches its peak in the county, with numerous mines and a growing population.
  • 1950s - The decline of coal mining begins as other energy sources become more prevalent.
  • 1999 - The last active coal mine in the county, the Wilburton Coal Company Mine, closes its operations.
  • Present - Coal County remains a rural area with a rich coal mining history and a small population.