National Register Listing

United States Post Office Purcell

228 W Main St., Purcell, OK
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
  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 land run in Oklahoma took place on April 22, 1889, when more than 50,000 people rushed to claim free land in the Unassigned Lands, which had been opened up for settlement by the federal government.
Oklahoma random facts
McClain County, Oklahoma, was named after a prominent lawyer and politician, Charles M. McClain. The county was officially established on July 16, 1907, as one of the original 77 counties of the state. Prior to this, the area was home to Native American tribes, with the Chickasaw Nation having a strong presence in the region since the 1830s.

In the late 1800s, with the opening of land for settlement, McClain County saw an influx of pioneers and settlers. It quickly became an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching becoming the primary occupations of its residents. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate were ideal for growing crops such as cotton, wheat, corn, and peanuts.

The early years of the county saw the establishment of several towns, including Purcell, which became the county seat. The presence of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway in Purcell further contributed to its growth and development as a trading center. Other towns, such as Newcastle, were also formed during this time.

Throughout the 20th century, McClain County experienced significant events and milestones. In the 1930s, the Great Depression hit the area hard, affecting the local economy and forcing many to seek employment elsewhere. However, the county rebounded in the post-World War II era, with the expansion of industries and the growth of the oil and gas industry in the region.

Today, McClain County continues to be a vibrant and thriving community, marked by its rich agricultural heritage and economic diversification. It remains an important hub for farming, ranching, and manufacturing, while also embracing modern industries such as technology and tourism. The county's historical landmarks, natural beauty, and friendly communities make it an attractive place to live and visit.

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

  • 1907: McClain County is established as a county in the state of Oklahoma.
  • Early 1900s: The county is primarily used for agriculture, with farming and ranching being the main industries.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits McClain County, causing significant economic hardships for residents.
  • 1960s: Interstate 35 is constructed, running through McClain County and improving transportation and connectivity.
  • 1990s: The county experiences population growth and development, with increased urbanization and commercial activity.
  • 2007: McClain County celebrates its centennial anniversary.