U.S. Post Office and Federal Building
a.k.a. Federal Building
1010 Adams St., La Grande, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
The largest living organism in the world is a fungus in Oregon. The Armillaria ostoyae fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest in eastern Oregon and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old. It is also known as the "Humongous Fungus."
In the early 1800s, explorers and trappers began to venture into the area, with many attracted by the fertile soil and the presence of wildlife. The Oregon Trail, drawing pioneers from the eastern states, reached Union County in the mid-1800s as part of the westward migration. In 1862, Union County was officially established, named after the Union, symbolizing the support for the federal government during the American Civil War.
The discovery of gold in the area in the 1860s brought a wave of settlers seeking their fortunes, leading to the establishment of several mining towns such as Sumpter and Granite. The gold rush brought both prosperity and conflict, with tensions between miners and Native American communities. Union County became a center of economic activity with industries like agriculture, logging, and mining shaping the landscape and the local economy.
Over the years, Union County has experienced various developments that have shaped its present condition. The region witnessed the growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, and the establishment of thriving timber industries. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s further enhanced economic opportunities and helped connect the county with the rest of the state. Today, Union County stands as a picturesque area known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and a vibrant community that cherishes its past while embracing modern progress.
Union County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Union County, Oregon.
- 1805 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through the area.
- 1811 - The Astor Expedition establishes a fur trading post in the region.
- 1827 - The Hudson's Bay Company sets up a fur trading post near present-day Union County.
- 1843 - The first wagon train of settlers arrives in the Oregon Territory.
- 1854 - Union County is officially established.
- 1862 - The Homestead Act leads to an increase in settlers moving to Union County.
- 1864 - The town of La Grande is founded.
- 1867 - Eastern Oregon Normal School (now Eastern Oregon University) opens in La Grande.
- 1884 - The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company completes a railroad line through Union County.
- 1929 - The Great Depression has a significant impact on Union County's economy.
- 1989 - The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center opens near Baker City.