US Post Office
100 W. 2nd St., The Dalles, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. It was formed over 7,000 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, creating a caldera that filled with water.
European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the region's abundant natural resources and fertile lands. In 1845, a military expedition led by John C. Frémont explored the area and documented its potential for farming and settlement. The Oregon Trail, which passed through present-day Wasco County, brought more settlers to the region in the following decades.
In 1854, Wasco County was officially established, encompassing a vast area that included parts of present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming. The county quickly became an important center for trade and transportation, with the Columbia River serving as a major route for steamboats and barges. The city of The Dalles, located on the Columbia River, emerged as the county seat and became a bustling commercial and cultural hub.
The late 19th century saw significant growth and development in Wasco County. The railroad reached the region, opening up new opportunities for industry and trade. Agriculture, particularly wheat farming and fruit orchards, thrived due to the county's fertile soil and favorable climate. The production and export of agricultural goods became a cornerstone of the local economy, and The Dalles became known as the "Cherry City" due to its abundant cherry orchards.
Today, Wasco County continues to be an important agricultural and commercial center in Oregon. Its rich history is celebrated through various historic sites and museums, providing residents and visitors with a glimpse into the county's past. The natural beauty of the area, including the Columbia River Gorge, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Wasco County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wasco County, Oregon.
- 1843 - The first known settlers arrive in the area that would become Wasco County.
- 1845 - The area becomes part of the Oregon Territory.
- 1854 - Wasco County is established as an official county in the Oregon Territory.
- 1859 - Oregon becomes a state and Wasco County remains a part of the state.
- 1870 - The city of The Dalles is designated as the county seat.
- 1880 - Agriculture becomes a major industry in Wasco County.
- 1892 - The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company establishes a rail line through the county, boosting transportation and trade.
- 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in Wasco County.
- 1960s - The US Army Corps of Engineers constructs The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River, impacting local communities.
- 1980 - The Rajneeshee cult, led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, briefly settles in Wasco County, leading to controversy and legal battles.
- 1990s - Tourism becomes a growing industry in the county, fueled by outdoor recreational activities.
- 2006 - Wasco County celebrates its 150th anniversary.