National Register Listing

US Post Office-Sugar House

a.k.a. Sugar House Station;Sugar House Post Office

2155 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
  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.

politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Utah.
Utah is home to the largest open-pit mine in the world. The Bingham Canyon Mine, located southwest of Salt Lake City, has been in operation since 1906 and produces copper, gold, and other minerals.
Utah random facts
Salt Lake County, located in the state of Utah, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes such as the Ute, Shoshone, and Paiute. These tribes thrived in the region due to the abundance of natural resources, including the Great Salt Lake and fertile lands provided by the Jordan River.

In the mid-19th century, Salt Lake County experienced a significant transformation with the arrival of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. Seeking religious freedom, the Mormons established Salt Lake City as their permanent settlement in 1847. Under Young's leadership, the city became the center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the capital of the Utah Territory.

As the population of Salt Lake County grew, economic development expanded. The pioneers constructed irrigation systems to cultivate the arid land, enabling farming and the establishment of small towns throughout the county. The area's natural resources, such as timber, mining, and later on, petroleum extraction, also contributed to its economic growth.

Salt Lake County played a significant role in the national stage during the early 20th century. It was the center of the Progressive Movement and witnessed social and political reforms. The county also hosted important events, such as the 2002 Winter Olympics, which brought international attention to the region. Today, Salt Lake County remains a vital cultural, educational, and economic hub in Utah, preserving its history while embracing modern progress.

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

  • 1847: Salt Lake County is founded by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young
  • 1850: Salt Lake City becomes the capital of the Utah Territory
  • 1869: The First Transcontinental Railroad is completed, bringing economic growth to the county
  • 1870: Salt Lake County's population reaches over 20,000
  • 1892: The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is completed
  • 1902: The Great Salt Lake is designated as a wildlife refuge
  • 1920: Salt Lake County's population exceeds 200,000
  • 2002: Salt Lake City hosts the Winter Olympics, bringing international attention to the county