Tulsa's First Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
I just can’t believe how much excitement we’re going to bring to Oklahoma.
The modern history of Tulsa County began in 1882, when the Creek Nation sold a portion of its land to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, leading to the establishment of a settlement known as "Tulsey Town." The town grew rapidly, attracting settlers and becoming a bustling center for trade and commerce. In 1901, Tulsa officially incorporated as a city, with oil being discovered in the area shortly after.
The early 20th century witnessed an oil boom in Tulsa County, transforming the city into the "Oil Capital of the World." The population skyrocketed, and oil barons built stunning mansions along what is now known as "Millionaire Row." The wealth generated by the oil industry fueled the growth of numerous industries, including aviation.
Tulsa County also holds a tragic chapter in its history. In 1921, it experienced one of the deadliest incidents of racial violence in U.S. history, known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. A prosperous African American community called Greenwood was destroyed, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands. The event remained largely hidden from history until recent years.
Today, Tulsa County is a diverse and vibrant community, known for its rich oil heritage, vibrant arts scene, and growing economy. The city has made efforts to acknowledge and address the historical trauma of the Tulsa Race Massacre, including the establishment of the Greenwood Cultural Center and the ongoing process of searching for mass grave sites. Tulsa County continues to thrive as a regional hub of business, culture, and education.
Tulsa County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
- 1836 - The area that would later become Tulsa County is part of the Creek Nation's land in the Indian Territory.
- 1836 - The Treaty of New Echota results in the forced removal of the Creek Nation to the Indian Territory.
- 1861-1865 - The Civil War results in the Indian Territory being divided into Confederate and Union territories.
- 1870s - The first settlements are established in the area, including Tulsey Town, which later becomes Tulsa.
- 1901 - Tulsa becomes incorporated as a city.
- 1905 - Tulsa County is established, with Tulsa as its county seat.
- 1921 - The Tulsa Race Massacre occurs, resulting in the destruction of the prosperous African American community of Greenwood.
- 1928 - The first oil discovery in Tulsa County leads to a boom in the oil industry and economic growth.
- 1957 - The construction of the Arkansas River Navigation System allows for barge transportation, boosting trade and commerce in the area.
- 1980s - Tulsa experiences an economic downturn due to the collapse of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Tulsa undergoes revitalization efforts with the development of the BOK Center, Gathering Place, and other projects.