US Post Office-Montesano Main
211 Pioneer Ave. N., Montesano, 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 first European settlement in Washington was established by the Spanish in 1775 at Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula.
The first major development in the region was the establishment of a trading post by American fur trader Robert Gray, after whom the county is named, in 1792. The post served as a hub for fur trading and became a crucial point for maritime commerce. The 1850s saw a surge in population as settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for timber and fishing industries.
By the mid-1880s, Grays Harbor County was rapidly growing as the timber industry boomed. The abundance of old-growth forests provided ample resources for logging, attracting companies and laborers from around the country. The establishment of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated the growth of the timber industry and brought prosperity to the region.
In the early 20th century, Grays Harbor County became one of the leading producers of timber in the United States, with numerous mills operating along the coast. The county's economy revolved around timber harvesting and processing, fishing, and shipping. However, with the decline in old-growth forests and changes in industry trends, the timber industry began to wane in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Grays Harbor County's economy has diversified, with a focus on tourism, trade, and renewable energy. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical sites. The county continues to evolve, embracing new industries while preserving its rich heritage.
Grays Harbor County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Grays Harbor County, Washington.
- 1805: The area of Grays Harbor County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- 1850s: Settlers start to arrive in the area, attracted by the rich natural resources such as timber and fishing.
- 1860: The first post office is established in Thornton, which later becomes the first county seat.
- 1885: Montesano becomes the new county seat of Grays Harbor County.
- 1890s: The logging industry booms in the region, leading to increased economic growth.
- 1905: The city of Hoquiam is officially incorporated.
- 1911: Ocean City, now known as Ocean Shores, is founded as a beach community.
- 1930s: The Great Depression severely impacts the economy of Grays Harbor County, leading to high unemployment rates.
- 1970s: The decline of the logging industry negatively affects the local economy.
- 1990: The Quinault Indian Nation becomes a major economic force in the county with the opening of the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
- 2007: Grays Harbor Energy Center, a natural gas power plant, is opened near the town of Elma.