US Post Office-Prosser Main
1103 Meade Ave., Prosser, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
The state's official bird is the American goldfinch, which is known for its bright yellow color and cheerful song.
The history of Benton County took a significant turn in the mid-1800s with the arrival of white settlers. The region became part of the Oregon Territory in 1848, and the establishment of the Oregon Trail in the 1840s brought more settlers to the area. The discovery of gold in the nearby Walla Walla Valley brought a temporary influx of people to Benton County, although the gold rush was relatively short-lived.
In 1855, the Yakama Indian Reservation was established, which covered a significant portion of Benton County. This reservation is still present today and has played a crucial role in the history and development of the county. The land was predominantly used for farming and agriculture, with wheat being the primary crop.
With the introduction of irrigation systems in the early 1900s, Benton County experienced a significant agricultural boom. The arid landscapes were transformed into fertile fields, boosting the economy and attracting more settlers. The construction of dams along the Columbia River also brought hydroelectric power to Benton County, contributing to its growth and development.
Over the years, Benton County has continued to evolve, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and technological advancements. Today, the county is home to the city of Richland, which played a pivotal role in the development of nuclear energy during World War II. The Hanford Site, a former nuclear production complex, is located in Benton County and has shaped the county's history and identity.
Benton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Benton County, Washington.
- 1841 - The area that is now Benton County is explored by fur traders.
- 1853 - The Yakama Indian Reservation is established in the county.
- 1855 - The Walla Walla Treaty is signed, ceding land to the United States and opening the region for settlement.
- 1880 - Benton County is officially established, named after U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton.
- 1902 - The Columbia River is dammed to create irrigation canals, transforming the county's agricultural potential.
- 1943 - The Hanford Site, a top-secret facility for the Manhattan Project, is established in Benton County.
- 1950s - The population grows rapidly as a result of the Hanford Site's expansion.
- 1960s-1970s - Benton County's economy grows with the construction of additional nuclear reactors at the Hanford Site.
- 1989 - Cleanup efforts at the Hanford Site begin due to concerns about environmental contamination.