National Register Listing

Old Ashland Post Office

601 West Second St., Ashland, WI
Because of the old post office's prominence in Ashland, its structural material, and its architecture, the building's local significance is unquestioned. Architectural historian Richard W. E. Perrin characterizes it as almost traditional as a landmark in the city of Ashland.

When it was built in 1892-1893, the post office was certainly one of the finest buildings of its kind in northern Wisconsin. Its design is credited to Mr. Eldebrook, who was an architect for the federal government. The general contractor was Forster and Smith, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the local superintending architect was H. P. Padley, of Conover, Porter, and Padley, the Ashland branch of the Madison architectural firm of Conover and Porter.

The brownstone of which the structure is built was in much demand as a building material in its day. It was used in several major buildings in Ashland, in numerous buildings in Wisconsin cities along Lake Michigan, and in buildings in some of the larger inland cities of Wisconsin as well. It was quarried on Chequamegon Bay, principally near Washburn on the mainland and on at least one of the Apostle Islands
The city of Ashland, to which the ownership of the property reverted when a new post office was erected in the late 1930s, has no city hall and proposes to convert the old post office building to adaptive use as its municipal building.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
  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.

architecture post office
Wisconsin was the first state in the United States to provide workers' compensation for injured workers, in 1911.
Wisconsin random facts
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.

In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.

The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.

Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ashland County, Wisconsin.

  • 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
  • 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
  • 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
  • 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
  • 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
  • 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
  • 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
  • 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
  • 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
  • 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline