National Register Listing

US Post Office-Clarkston Main

949 6th St., Clarkston, WA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
  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.

art politics government architecture post office
The Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington, was a major production facility for nuclear weapons during World War II and the Cold War. Today, it is the most contaminated nuclear site in the United States and is undergoing a massive cleanup effort.
Washington random facts
Asotin County is located in the southeast corner of the state of Washington, bordering Idaho. Its history dates back to prehistoric times when indigenous tribes, including the Nez Perce and Palouse, inhabited the area. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources found in the regions, such as fish from the Snake and Clearwater rivers and game from the surrounding forests and grasslands.

European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century with fur trappers and traders. In the 1850s, settlers started arriving, attracted by the opportunities provided by mining in the nearby Nez Perce Reservation. The first permanent settlement, Asotin City, was established in 1860. The city served as a transportation hub for miners and settlers making their way into central Idaho.

Asotin County was officially created in 1883, named after a Nez Perce word meaning "eel creek" due to the plentiful eels found in the area's waterways. The region continued to grow as settlers cultivated the fertile land for agriculture and established businesses to support the expanding community.

The county faced challenges in the early 20th century, including devastating fires and economic downturns. However, it persevered and developed into a thriving community thanks to the construction of dams and irrigation systems, which brought stability to the agriculture industry. Today, Asotin County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

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

  • 1805 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area that would later become Asotin County.
  • 1810s - Fur traders establish trading posts in the region, interacting with local Native American tribes.
  • 1861 - Asotin County is created by the Washington Territorial Legislature.
  • 1881 - The city of Asotin is incorporated.
  • 1893 - Clarkston, located across the Snake River from Asotin, is incorporated.
  • 1930 - The first steel bridge connecting Asotin and Clarkston is completed.
  • 1958 - The Lower Granite Dam is completed on the Snake River, providing electricity and flood control to the area.
  • 2000 - The Asotin County Courthouse, built in 1898, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.