National Register Listing

Chilton Post Office

57 E. Main St., Chilton, WI
Local significance of the building:
Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  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.

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The state's capital, Madison, was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.
Wisconsin random facts
Located in northeastern Wisconsin, Calumet County has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area originally belonged to the Fox and Menominee Native American tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the nearby bodies of water for fishing and transportation. In the 1830s, European settlers began to arrive, establishing farms and small communities.

In 1850, Calumet County was officially established, named after the Calumet River which flows through the area. The county quickly grew as German, Irish, and Belgian immigrants arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with dairy farming and cheese production playing a significant role.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Calumet County. The Manitowoc Rapids Hydroelectric Plant was built in 1905, providing a reliable source of electricity for the county. The construction of highways and railroads also improved transportation and connectivity within the region. Economic development continued with the establishment of various industries, including paper manufacturing and food processing.

Calumet County is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Lakes Winnebago and Butte des Morts offer fishing, boating, and water sports, while the surrounding forests provide ample space for hunting and hiking. Today, Calumet County maintains its strong agricultural heritage, as well as a growing tourism industry, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns.

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

  • 1835 - Calumet County is established as a separate county in the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1837 - The first European settlers arrive in the area and begin farming.
  • 1848 - Wisconsin becomes a state, and Calumet County remains a part of it.
  • 1850 - The first sawmill is built in the county.
  • 1867 - The County seat is established in Chilton.
  • 1873 - The first railroad is completed, connecting Calumet County to the rest of Wisconsin.
  • 1890 - The population of Calumet County reaches over 16,000.
  • 1912 - The first electric power plant is built in the county.
  • 1932 - Calumet County Memorial Park is established, providing recreational opportunities for residents.
  • 1958 - A major flood hits Calumet County, causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
  • 1982 - Interstate 41 is completed, improving transportation access in the county.