National Register Listing

Woodward Federal Courthouse and Post Office

a.k.a. Woodward Public Schools Administration Building

1023 10th St., Woodward, OK
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
  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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
The name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people." The Choctaw Nation had a significant presence in the area that is now Oklahoma before it became a state.
Oklahoma random facts
Woodward County, OK, located in northwest Oklahoma, has a rich history spanning centuries. Its history dates back to the time of Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho. These tribes roamed the expansive plains of the county, relying on hunting and gathering for sustenance.

In the late 1800s, the area that is now Woodward County was opened for settlement through the Homestead Act of 1862. Thousands of pioneers, mainly from Texas and Kansas, flocked to this region in search of fertile land for farming and ranching. The town of Woodward was established in 1893 as a trading hub for the local population.

During the early 20th century, Woodward County witnessed the growth of its agricultural industry. Cotton, wheat, and cattle became the primary commodities in the county's economy. The discovery of oil in 1904 further boosted the local economy, leading to the establishment of oilfields and refineries. The presence of oil brought new wealth and opportunities to the county, attracting additional settlers and promoting economic development.

Tragically, Woodward County has also experienced its share of natural disasters. One of the most devastating events occurred on April 9, 1947, when a massive tornado struck Woodward, resulting in significant destruction, loss of life, and injuries. The community, however, showed resilience and rebuilt the town from the ground up, incorporating modern safety measures to mitigate future tornado risks.

Today, Woodward County continues to thrive as an agricultural and energy hub, with farming, ranching, and oil production playing vital roles in its economy. The county also cherishes its rich cultural heritage, preserving its Native American history through museums and cultural centers. With a resilient community and a diverse economy, Woodward County looks toward a promising future while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Woodward County, Oklahoma.

  • 1833 - The area that would later become Woodward County is part of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation following the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek
  • 1868 - The reservation is opened for settlement through the Medicine Lodge Treaty
  • 1887 - The land in the area is opened for non-Indian settlement, leading to a surge in population
  • 1893 - The town of Woodward is established as the first county seat
  • 1897 - Woodward County is officially organized and named after Brinton W. Woodward, a Santa Fe Railroad director
  • 1901 - The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Alva
  • 1907 - Woodward County becomes part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma
  • 1909 - The county seat is moved back to Woodward due to its central location
  • 1927 - Discovery of oil leads to the development of the county's oil industry
  • 1933 - The Dust Bowl hits Woodward County, causing widespread devastation
  • 1947 - The town of Mooreland is incorporated
  • 1957 - The Woodward Tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, strikes the city, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life
  • 2000 - Woodward County celebrates its centennial