US Post Office-Cedar City Main

a.k.a. Cedar City Main Post Office

10 N. Main, Cedar City, UT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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.

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The Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City is home to a unique feature known as the "seagull room." The room is decorated with paintings and sculptures of seagulls in honor of the California gulls that helped the early settlers.
Iron County, Utah has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Southern Paiute people, who thrived off the region's abundant natural resources. In the mid-1800s, Mormon pioneers, led by Brigham Young, began to settle in the area and establish communities.

In 1851, Parowan was settled and became the first permanent settlement in Iron County. The town quickly grew as more Mormon settlers arrived, and it became an important agricultural and social center in the region. Parowan is also notable for its beautifully preserved historical buildings from the 19th century.

Iron mining played a significant role in the history of Iron County. In the late 1800s, large iron deposits were discovered in the region, leading to the establishment of mining towns like Cedar City and Iron Springs. These towns experienced a boom as mining operations brought an influx of people and economic prosperity to the area. Cedar City became the county seat in 1893, and it remains an important city in Iron County today.

Throughout the 20th century, Iron County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The mining industry remained prominent, but other industries such as agriculture, tourism, and education also became significant contributors to the local economy. Today, Iron County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head Ski Resort, which attract visitors from far and wide.

In summary, Iron County, Utah's history is marked by the settlement of pioneers, the discovery of iron deposits, and the growth of vibrant towns. From its early days as a settlement for Mormon pioneers, to the booming mining industry, and its present-day status as a tourist destination, Iron County has continuously evolved and adapted to the changing times.

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

  • 1850: Iron County was settled by Mormon pioneers.
  • 1851: Parowan was established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) as the first permanent settlement in Iron County.
  • 1852: Iron County became a separate entity, with its own government and organization.
  • 1855: The Iron Mission was established in Iron County, focusing on iron mining and production.
  • 1857: The Mormon Pioneer Trail passed through Iron County, bringing many settlers to the area.
  • 1861: The town of Cedar City was founded in Iron County.
  • 1893: The first train arrived in Cedar City, connecting Iron County to the national transportation network.
  • 1951: Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University) was established in Cedar City.
  • 1967: Cedar Breaks National Monument was designated, showcasing the unique natural beauty of Iron County.
  • 1990: The population of Iron County surpassed 20,000 residents.
  • 2019: Iron County celebrated its 170th anniversary since its founding.