United States Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Federal Building and United States Courthouse

111 N. Fifth, Muskogee, OK
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  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.

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The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. The massacre, which occurred in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the destruction of much of the district.
Muskogee County, located in eastern Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally home to various indigenous tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee nations, who inhabited the region for hundreds of years. The Creek Nation played a significant role in the county's early history, with many Creek towns established along the waterways.

In the early 19th century, the area experienced an influx of European settlers, leading to tensions between the indigenous peoples and newcomers. The Trail of Tears, a forced removal of Native Americans, passed through Muskogee County during the 1830s, as many tribes were relocated to Indian Territory. This marked a dark chapter in the county's history, with a significant loss of life and land for the indigenous populations.

By the late 19th century, Muskogee emerged as a prominent city in the region. In 1872, it became the capital of the Creek Nation and later served as the headquarters of the Five Civilized Tribes' government. This brought economic prosperity to Muskogee County, as it became a hub for trade and commerce. The city's growth continued with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, further connecting it to the rest of the nation.

In the 20th century, Muskogee County played a crucial role in the development of Oklahoma as a whole. During World War II, Camp Gruber, a military training facility, was established in the county, preparing soldiers for combat. The county also became known for its contributions to the music industry, particularly in the development of gospel, jazz, and blues. Today, Muskogee County stands as a testament to the diverse and resilient history of Oklahoma, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of both indigenous peoples and settlers.

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

  • 1826 - The Creek Indians signed the Treaty of Washington, resulting in the relocation of their territory to what is now Muskogee County.
  • 1872 - The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT) arrived in Muskogee, leading to the city's rapid growth and development.
  • 1889 - Muskogee County was officially established as a county in Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1907 - Oklahoma became a state, and Muskogee County remained an important transportation hub due to its rail connections.
  • 1921 - The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred, impacting neighboring Tulsa but affecting Muskogee County as well.
  • 1942 - Camp Gruber was established in Muskogee County as a U.S. Army training camp during World War II.
  • 1950s - The Civil Rights Movement began to bring about social changes in Muskogee County and the rest of Oklahoma.
  • 1969 - Muskogee's Honor Heights Park started hosting an annual Azalea Festival, attracting visitors from across the state.
  • 1998 - The Port of Muskogee, an inland port on the Arkansas River, became an important transportation and industrial center.
  • 2007 - A tornado caused significant damage to Muskogee County, including the city of Muskogee.