U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Federal Building
801 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
In the mid-19th century, the Oregon Trail brought an influx of settlers to the region. Several settlements were established, including Olympia, which would later become the county seat. The area's abundant natural resources, such as timber and fertile land, attracted further development and growth. In 1852, Thurston County was officially created, named after Samuel R. Thurston, the Oregon Territory's first delegate to Congress.
Thurston County played an important role during the Washington Territory years. Olympia, home to the territorial capital, became the center of political and economic activity. The area witnessed significant growth with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s further contributed to the county's development, connecting it with other parts of the state and facilitating trade.
Throughout the 20th century, Thurston County continued to evolve. The state government's presence in Olympia, coupled with military installations like Joint Base Lewis-McChord, provided stability and employment opportunities for the local population. Today, the county's economy is diverse, with industries such as government, healthcare, education, and technology driving growth. Thurston County remains a vibrant and culturally diverse community, while also preserving its natural beauty and recognizing the contributions of its Native American heritage.
Thurston County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Thurston County, Washington.
- 1852: Thurston County is created as one of the original counties in Washington Territory.
- 1853: The first county courthouse is built in Olympia, the county seat.
- 1860: Tumwater, the oldest permanent American settlement in the county, is established.
- 1873: The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches Olympia, boosting economic growth in the region.
- 1909: The Washington State Capitol building is completed in Olympia, becoming a prominent landmark.
- 1926: The Olympia Brewing Company opens, becoming one of the county's largest employers until its closure in 2003.
- 1940s-1950s: The military presence grows with the establishment of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.
- 1984: Thurston County's population surpasses 200,000.
- 1993: The Hands On Children's Museum opens its doors in Olympia, providing interactive exhibits for children.
- 2001: The Nisqually earthquake strikes the region, causing extensive damage in Thurston County.
- 2018: Thurston County celebrates its 166th anniversary since its establishment.