National Register Listing

US Post Office-Colville Main

204 S. Oak, Colville, 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 first European settlement in Washington was established by the Spanish in 1775 at Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula.
Washington random facts
Stevens County, located in northeastern Washington state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Spokane, Kalispel, and Colville tribes, who lived off the land and used the abundant natural resources for their sustenance.

In the early 1800s, fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company arrived in the area, establishing trading posts and further interacting with the local tribes. The arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region. The discovery of gold in the Colville River in 1856 attracted miners in search of riches, leading to the establishment of small mining communities.

In the late 19th century, the Great Northern Railway was built through Stevens County, connecting it to the rapidly expanding American rail network. This facilitated greater settlement as more people were attracted to the region by the promise of fertile lands for farming and timber resources. The county's economy became increasingly dependent on agriculture, mining, and logging.

In the early 20th century, Stevens County experienced a period of growth and development. Towns like Colville and Chewelah blossomed as commercial centers, with schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure being built. However, the devastating effects of the Great Depression and the decline of mining and logging industries in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges for the county.

Modern-day Stevens County has seen a diversification of its economy. The scenic beauty of the region, with its lakes, forests, and mountains, has made it a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Agriculture, including farming and livestock production, continues to be an important economic sector. With its rich history and natural beauty, Stevens County remains a place of significance in the state of Washington.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Stevens County, Washington.

  • 1800s: Native American tribes, including the Spokane and Colville, inhabit the region that is now Stevens County.
  • 1841: Explorer and fur trader David Thompson becomes the first known European to enter the area.
  • 1855: The Colville Indian Reservation is established through a treaty with the local tribes.
  • 1867: The Stevens County area is organized as a part of Spokane County.
  • 1883: The first sawmill in the county is established, leading to increased logging activity.
  • 1899: Stevens County officially separates from Spokane County and is established as its own county.
  • 1909: The first electric power plant is built near Marcus, providing electricity to the region.
  • 1934: The Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete dam in the United States, begins construction on the Columbia River.
  • 1941: The completion of the Grand Coulee Dam brings significant economic growth to Stevens County.
  • 1974: The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is established to preserve the region's natural habitats.
  • 1980s: The logging industry declines, leading to a transition to a more diversified economy.
  • 1991: The Chewelah Casino, operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, opens in Stevens County.
  • 2018: Stevens County celebrates its 120th anniversary since becoming an independent county.