National Register Listing

Kanab Post Office

a.k.a. Old Kanab Post Office; US Forest Service Office

22 N Main St, Kanab, UT
Local significance of the building:
Communications; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  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.

communications politics government post office
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.
Utah random facts
Kane County, Utah is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Paiute and Anasazi tribes, who left behind ancient petroglyphs and cliff dwellings as evidence of their presence. European explorers and traders first arrived in the region in the 18th century, with Spanish expeditions venturing through the area.

In the mid-19th century, Mormon settlers began to establish communities in the region. The southern portion of Kane County was settled by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young, who sought to establish an agricultural society based on their religious beliefs. The town of Kanab, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1864 by Mormon leader Levi Stewart.

The early settlers faced challenges such as droughts, harsh winters, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, they persevered and developed a thriving agricultural industry, with ranching and farming becoming the mainstays of the local economy. The settlers also established schools, churches, and other essential community institutions.

Over time, Kane County has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists due to its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is home to several national parks and monuments, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. These natural wonders continue to draw visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to the county's economy through tourism and outdoor recreation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kane County, Utah.

  • 1776 - Kane County is part of the Spanish Empire's northern boundary
  • 1776-1848 - Kane County is part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain
  • 1848 - Kane County becomes part of the United States after the Mexican-American War
  • 1864 - Kanab, the county seat, is settled by Mormon pioneers
  • 1872 - Kane County is officially established by the Utah Territory legislature
  • 1902-1904 - Construction of the historic Johnson Canyon and Gray Canyon Dams
  • 1937 - Bryce Canyon National Park is established, including part of Kane County
  • 1940s - Kane County becomes a popular filming location for Hollywood westerns
  • 1996 - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is established, covering a large portion of Kane County