US Post Office-Centralia Main
214 W. Locust, Centralia, 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.
Mount St. Helens, located in southwestern Washington, erupted on May 18, 1980, causing the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States.
In the mid-1800s, settlers began to establish communities in what is now Lewis County. The first non-native settlement in the area was Tumwater, located along the Deschutes River. As more settlers arrived, logging and agriculture became the primary industries in the region. The fertile soil and abundant natural resources attracted many people to the area.
The establishment of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the growth and development of Lewis County. The railroad connected the county to other parts of Washington state and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. Logging became a major industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the area.
The 20th century brought further economic growth to Lewis County. The expansion of the lumber industry, alongside the development of other sectors such as mining and manufacturing, contributed to the county's prosperity. However, like many other areas in the Pacific Northwest, Lewis County faced economic challenges in the latter half of the century due to the decline of the timber industry.
Today, Lewis County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites. The county continues to be influenced by its rich logging heritage and is home to several museums and exhibits that showcase its history. Additionally, Lewis County serves as a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, attracting visitors from around the world.
Lewis County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lewis County, Washington.
- 1845: Lewis County is established as one of the original nine counties in the Washington Territory.
- 1851: The first white settler, J.W. Brewer, arrives in Lewis County.
- 1853: The county seat is established in Monticello, which later becomes known as Olympia.
- 1861: The county seat is moved to Toledo.
- 1883: The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches Lewis County, boosting economic growth in the region.
- 1892: The county seat is moved again, this time to Chehalis.
- 1905: The Great Northern Railway completes its line through Lewis County, further enhancing transportation and trade.
- 1912: The Chehalis River floods, causing significant damage to the county.
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Lewis County.
- 1942: Fort Lewis, a major military base, is established nearby, bringing increased population and economic activity to the area.
- 1980: The eruption of Mount St. Helens to the east of Lewis County causes disruption and damages in the region.
- 2000s: Lewis County continues to be primarily an agricultural and timber-producing region, while also growing in residential and recreational development.