Historical Marker

Post Office

Historical marker location:
West Oklahoma Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma
( Marker is at the intersection of West Oklahoma Avenue and South 2nd Street, on the left when traveling west on West Oklahoma Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1980

Dennis T. Flynn opened the Guthrie post office in a tent on April 23, 1889, the day after the famous run of 1889. With volunteer help, he handed out the mail. Within a few weeks, the post office was handling 3,000 letters and 1,000 newspapers daily

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state in the U.S. Many of these lakes were created by damming rivers and streams, and they provide recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Oklahoma random facts
Logan County, located in central Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Osage. In the 1800s, following the Indian Removal Act, these tribes were relocated to reservations, opening up the land for settlement.

The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800s, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. As more settlers arrived, communities began to form, and Logan County was officially established in 1890, with the town of Guthrie serving as the county seat. Guthrie quickly grew into a bustling center of business and government, fueled by the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in 1889.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Guthrie flourished as a significant trading hub and the territorial capital of Oklahoma. However, after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907, the capital was moved to Oklahoma City, causing a decline in Guthrie's prominence. Nevertheless, the town's rich architectural heritage, including well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, remains a testament to its past glory.

In addition to its historical significance, Logan County has also played a role in shaping the culture of Oklahoma. The area is known for its cowboy and Western heritage, with Guthrie hosting annual rodeos and the National Finals Steer Roping competition. The county's diverse landscapes, including the Cimarron River and expansive plains, also attract outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Overall, Logan County's history is a blend of Native American heritage, pioneer settlement, and the rise and fall of a thriving territorial capital. Today, the county continues to embrace its past while looking toward the future, preserving its unique cultural legacy while embracing economic development and meeting the needs of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Logan County, Oklahoma.

  • 1890 - Logan County is established as a county in Oklahoma Territory
  • 1891 - The town of Guthrie is designated as the county seat
  • 1893 - Logan County experiences a land rush as settlers claim land in the area
  • 1895 - A territorial jail is built in Guthrie
  • 1900 - Guthrie becomes the first state capital of Oklahoma
  • 1907 - Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory combine to form the state of Oklahoma
  • 1913 - The state capital is moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City
  • 1934 - The first oil well is drilled in Logan County
  • 1942-1945 - Camp Guthrie, a prisoner of war camp, is operated in the county during World War II
  • 1971 - The Route 66 Museum opens in the town of Clinton