National Register Listing

US Post Office-Okanogan Main

212 Second Ave. N., Okanogan, WA
Local significance of the building:
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.

politics government architecture post office
The Seattle Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, was designed to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes of up to 9.0 magnitude.
Washington random facts
Okanogan County, located in the eastern part of Washington state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Okanogan, Colville, and Methow peoples, who relied on the land's natural resources for sustenance and cultural practices.

In the late 1700s, European explorers, including Alexander Ross and David Thompson, arrived in the region, establishing fur trading posts. However, it wasn't until the mid-1800s that non-indigenous settlers began to arrive in larger numbers. The Gold Rush in the 1860s drew many prospectors to the area, leading to the establishment of mining towns such as Ruby City and Oroville.

The county's economy continued to develop throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with logging, ranching, and agriculture becoming important industries. The completion of the Great Northern Railway in 1893 facilitated further growth and increased connectivity. Towns such as Okanogan, Omak, and Tonasket were established as important trading centers and hubs of activity.

Okanogan County also played a role in World War II, serving as a training ground for the B-17 Bomber crews. After the war, the county experienced a population boom and an increase in infrastructure development. Today, Okanogan County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong ties to its Native American heritage. The county's history is celebrated through various cultural events, museums, and historic sites that tell the story of its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Okanogan County, Washington.

  • 1800s - Native American tribes, including the Okanogan and Colville, inhabit the region.
  • 1811 - Canadian explorer David Thompson explores the area.
  • 1846 - The Oregon Treaty establishes the border between the United States and Canada, putting Okanogan County in the United States.
  • 1858 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush and settlement.
  • 1889 - Okanogan County is established on February 2.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic struggles in the county.
  • 1941-1945 - World War II brings an economic boost to the county through military installations.
  • 1988 - The Carlton Complex fire, the largest wildfire in Washington state history at the time, burns through Okanogan County.
  • 2014 - The Okanogan Complex fire becomes the largest recorded fire in Washington state history.