National Register Listing

US Post Office

210 Laurel Ave., Tillamook, OR
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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 architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of Oregon.
Oregon was the only state in the United States to have a government run by the Ku Klux Klan. In the 1920s, the KKK gained significant political power in Oregon, electing a governor, a mayor, and several legislators. This era of Oregon's history is known as the "Klanbake."
Oregon random facts
Tillamook County, located on the scenic Oregon Coast, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tillamook and Nehalem tribes, who thrived on the abundant natural resources of the region. They lived off the land, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance.

In the late 18th century, European explorers and fur trappers began to arrive in Tillamook County. In 1792, British explorer Captain George Vancouver sailed into Tillamook Bay, making him one of the first Europeans to set foot in the area. Traders soon followed, establishing a maritime fur trade along the coast.

In the mid-19th century, as Oregon was being settled by pioneers, Tillamook County saw an influx of settlers looking for fertile land and opportunities. The Tillamook area was known for its vast forests, which attracted logging companies and brought in new industries such as sawmills and logging camps. The timber industry continued to play a significant role in the county's economy for many years.

Agriculture has also been a vital part of Tillamook County's history. Dairy farming became prominent in the late 1800s, thanks in large part to the arrival of Swiss immigrants who introduced their expertise in cheese-making. Tillamook County quickly became known for its high-quality dairy products, especially its famous Tillamook cheese. Today, the Tillamook County Creamery Association remains one of the county's most well-known and successful agricultural enterprises.

Over time, Tillamook County has evolved from a sparsely populated area to a thriving coastal community. Its history is shaped by the interactions between Native American tribes, European explorers and settlers, the timber industry, and the agricultural sector. Today, Tillamook County continues to be a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and delicious local products.

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

  • The area now known as Tillamook County is inhabited by the indigenous Tillamook people for thousands of years.
  • 1792 - The area is first encountered by European explorers, including Robert Gray and William Broughton.
  • 1805 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area, noting its resources and native inhabitants.
  • 1846 - The Oregon Treaty establishes the northern boundary of Oregon at the 49th parallel, encompassing present-day Tillamook County.
  • 1851 - The first permanent settlers, the Wilson family, arrive in the area.
  • 1854 - Tillamook County is officially established by the Oregon Territorial Legislature.
  • 1856 - The first post office in Tillamook County is established.
  • 1870 - The city of Tillamook is incorporated.
  • 1889 - The Tillamook Cheese Factory is established, setting the stage for the county's dairy industry.
  • 1933 - The Cape Meares Lighthouse is completed, becoming a cultural landmark in the county.
  • 1955 - The Tillamook Burn, a series of devastating wildfires, destroy large portions of the county's forested areas.
  • 1961 - The Tillamook Air Museum is established, showcasing the area's rich aviation history.
  • 1984 - The Tillamook Forest Center is opened, providing educational resources about the county's forests and natural resources.
  • 2019 - Several severe wildfires, including the Pike Road Fire, impact parts of Tillamook County.