National Register Listing

Echo Post Office

3455 S. Echo rd., Echo, UT
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
  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 social history post office
Audiobooks about the history of Utah.
The state's first newspaper, the Deseret News, was first published in 1850 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The newspaper is still in circulation today.
Utah random facts
Summit County, UT, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the arrival of the first Native American tribes over 10,000 years ago. The Ute Tribe, in particular, occupied the area for centuries, utilizing its resources for hunting and gathering. European explorers began to arrive in the early 19th century, with trappers and fur traders making their way through the region.

The first permanent European settlement in the area was established in 1847 when Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, including what is now Summit County. The pioneers gradually explored and settled the surrounding regions, including present-day Park City and Coalville. Mining became a significant industry during this time, with silver and coal deposits attracting prospectors to the area.

In the late 19th century, Park City experienced a significant boom as rich silver mines were discovered, making it one of the most prominent silver mining towns in the West. The city prospered, attracting a diverse population and becoming a vibrant hub of commerce and culture. However, the silver crash of 1893 had a devastating impact, leading to the closure of many mines and a decline in the town's population.

In the 20th century, Summit County underwent significant changes and diversification. In the 1960s, Park City transformed into a popular ski resort destination, hosting the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. Today, Summit County is known for its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities. It remains a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of history, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.

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

  • 1847 - Pioneer settlers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) arrive in the Salt Lake Valley, including what is now Summit County.
  • 1848 - The area is explored and mapped by LDS Church leaders, establishing various routes for migration and trade.
  • 1850 - Summit County is organized as one of the original counties in the Territory of Utah.
  • 1858 - The Utah War leads to a temporary evacuation of the area, as tensions rise between the United States government and the LDS Church.
  • 1861 - Coal mining begins in the area, leading to economic development and an increase in population.
  • 1868 - Park City is founded as a mining town, quickly becoming one of the largest silver mining centers in the United States.
  • 1872 - The Transcontinental Railroad reaches Summit County, greatly improving transportation and trade in the region.
  • 1898 - The area experiences a significant decline in mining activity, leading to a shift towards tourism and recreation.
  • 1902 - Park City hosts the first winter sports competition in Utah, marking the beginning of its reputation as a ski destination.
  • 1922 - The Sundance Resort is established by actor Robert Redford, contributing to the county's tourism industry.
  • 1963 - Park City Mountain Resort opens, further cementing Summit County's status as a premier ski destination.
  • 2002 - The Winter Olympic Games are held in Park City, boosting the county's international recognition and tourism industry.