United States Post Office Hollis
120 N. 2nd St., Hollis, OK Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
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.
The musical "Oklahoma!" was named after the state and premiered on Broadway in 1943. The show was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is still performed in theaters around the world today.
In the 19th century, European settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the promise of fertile land and the opportunity for ranching and farming. The area was officially opened for settlement in 1901 when the Kiowa and Comanche Reservation was disbanded. Many settlers arrived from neighboring states, such as Texas, and established small rural communities.
Harmon County was officially organized in 1909, named after Judson Harmon, a former governor of Ohio. The county seat was established in Hollis, which still serves as the administrative center of the county. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, played a significant role in the early economy of Harmon County.
Throughout the years, the county has faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. These hardships led to a decline in population and economic struggles. However, the area rebounded after World War II with the establishment of new industries and improvements in agriculture.
Today, Harmon County remains a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural sector, though it has also seen growth in other industries such as oil and gas production. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly communities, and a strong sense of history. The county continues to evolve while preserving its heritage and traditions for future generations.
Harmon County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harmon County, Oklahoma.
- 1865: Harmon County was established as a county in Indian Territory.
- 1887: The Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian Reservation, located in present-day Harmon County, was opened for settlement.
- 1893: The first post office was established in Harmon County.
- 1909: The town of Harmon was established as the county seat.
- 1912: The town of Vinson was established.
- 1915: The town of Hollis was incorporated.
- 1926: The Great Western Cattle Trail, used for cattle drives from Texas to Kansas, passed through Harmon County.
- 1930: The Dust Bowl severely affected Harmon County, causing widespread drought and agricultural devastation.
- 1953: Lake Altus-Lugert was completed, providing a water source and recreational area for Harmon County.
- 1970s-1980s: The oil and gas industry experienced a significant boom in Harmon County, leading to increased economic activity.
- 2001: The Hollis Historical Society was established to preserve the history and heritage of Harmon County.