Kingfisher Post Office
a.k.a. The Old Post Office
Main and Robberts Sts., Kingfisher, OK Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
Oklahoma is home to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the American West. The museum features exhibits on cowboy life, Native American culture, and the art of the American West.
In the late 19th century, Kingfisher County quickly became an essential agricultural center. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming and ranching. Wheat and cotton were some of the main crops grown in the county, and significant livestock operations were established. The county also experienced considerable industrial growth, with the construction of flour mills, grain elevators, and other essential infrastructure.
The town of Kingfisher, which serves as the county seat, played a central role in the growth and development of the county. It was named after the nearby Kingfisher Creek, which itself was named after the native kingfisher bird. The city quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, with numerous businesses and services catering to the needs of the growing population. The county and town continued to thrive into the 20th century, with the discovery of oil in the 1920s bringing a new wave of prosperity.
Today, Kingfisher County retains its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern industries such as energy production and manufacturing. The county is also home to popular recreational areas, such as the Canton Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Kingfisher Golf Course, attracting visitors from both near and far. Kingfisher County's rich history and diverse economic landscape have contributed to its status as an important and vibrant community in Oklahoma.
Kingfisher County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kingfisher County, Oklahoma.
- 1890: Kingfisher County established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1892: The land run of 1892 leads to a significant increase in population in the county.
- 1895: The town of Kingfisher becomes the county seat.
- 1901: The first oil well is drilled in the county, marking the beginning of the oil industry.
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county's agricultural and oil industries.
- 1940s: The construction of military bases, such as the Kingfisher Aerial Gunnery School, provides an economic boost to the county.
- 1980s: The county experiences an oil boom, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1993: The 1897 Kingfisher County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2000s: The wind energy industry begins to expand in the county.
- 2018: Kingfisher County celebrates its 125th anniversary.