National Register Listing

United States Post Office (Scappoose)

52643 Columbia R. Hwy., Scappoose, OR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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.

architecture post office
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The city of Portland, Oregon was named after Portland, Maine. The city's founder, Asa Lovejoy, had lived in Portland, Maine and wanted to name the new settlement after his former hometown.
Oregon random facts
Columbia County, Oregon has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Chinook and Clatskanie tribes, inhabited the region for centuries before European settlement. In the early 19th century, explorers and fur traders, such as Lewis and Clark, ventured into the area, marking the beginning of the region's interaction with European settlers.

In the mid-19th century, Columbia County experienced a significant influx of settlers, drawn by the prospects of fertile land and natural resources. The establishment of the Oregon Trail and the completion of the Columbia River Highway in the late 1800s further encouraged the growth of Columbia County. The county went through several name changes before settling on its current name in 1854, reflecting its position along the Columbia River.

The late 19th century saw the rise of industries such as logging, fishing, and coal mining. The timber industry, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping the county's economy and identity. The Oregon-American Lumber Company, headquartered in Rainier, became one of the largest lumber producers in the world at the time.

With the decline of the timber industry in the latter half of the 20th century, Columbia County has sought to diversify its economy. Today, the county boasts a mix of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The natural beauty of the region, with its lush forests, rivers, and scenic views, continues to attract visitors and residents alike. Columbia County's rich history is celebrated through various museums, historical sites, and events that highlight the region's unique heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Columbia County, Oregon.

  • 1805 - Columbia County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • 1825 - The first permanent settlement is established in the present-day Columbia County.
  • 1854 - Columbia County is officially established by the Oregon Territorial Legislature.
  • 1880 - The population of Columbia County reaches over 5,000 people.
  • 1920 - The Columbia River Highway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1965 - The St Helens School District is formed.
  • 1981 - Columbia County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 1996 - The county seat is moved from Hillsboro to St Helens.
  • 2007 - The Scappoose Bay Marine Park is opened, providing recreational opportunities for residents.