Waupun Post Office
400 E. Franklin St., Waupun, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
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.
Wisconsin was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was created by the United States in 1787. It later became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805, and then part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in Fond Du Lac County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The city of Fond Du Lac, which eventually became the county seat, was established in 1836. In the following years, more towns and villages were established throughout the county, as agriculture became the primary industry. Dairy farming, in particular, became a major economic force, leading Fond Du Lac County to become known as the "Dairyland County."
The county played a significant role in the development of transportation in Wisconsin. The Fond Du Lac area was connected to the rest of the state and beyond through the construction of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad in the 1850s. This allowed for the transportation of goods and people more efficiently, leading to further growth and prosperity in the region.
Fond Du Lac County also played a role in the development of education and culture in Wisconsin. The founding of the University of Wisconsin-Fond Du Lac in 1968 brought higher education opportunities to the county. Today, Fond Du Lac County boasts a vibrant arts scene, with theaters, museums, and galleries showcasing local talent.
Overall, Fond Du Lac County's history is one of evolution and growth, from its early Native American roots to its role in agriculture, transportation, and education. The county continues to thrive, combining its rich history with modern developments to create a thriving community.
Fond Du Lac County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin.
- 1836: Fond du Lac County is established by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature
- 1843: The city of Fond du Lac is incorporated
- 1851: Railroad service begins in Fond du Lac County, boosting economic growth
- 1872: The first public high school in Fond du Lac County opens
- 1893: The Fond du Lac Normal School, now known as the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, is founded
- 1930s: The Great Depression causes economic hardship in the county
- 1950s: Fond du Lac County experiences significant industrial growth, including the expansion of Mercury Marine
- 1970s: Fond du Lac County faces challenges with deindustrialization and unemployment
- 1980s: The construction of the Fond du Lac Community Theater brings more cultural opportunities to the county
- 2010: The Fond du Lac County Historical Society opens a new museum in the Galloway House and Village