National Register Listing

Berlin Post Office

122 S. Pearl St., Berlin, 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.

art post office
Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin. Many of his most famous buildings, including Taliesin and the Johnson Wax headquarters, are located in the state.
Wisconsin random facts
Green Lake County, Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk and Menominee. These tribes relied on the area's abundant natural resources, including the lakes and forests, for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

European settlers began arriving in the region during the 1800s. Green Lake County was officially established in 1858, named after the beautiful Green Lake located within its borders. The county quickly developed into a hub for agriculture, with settlers cultivating the fertile land and establishing farms. The construction of the Green Lake & Fond du Lac Railroad in 1866 further stimulated growth, connecting the county to larger markets.

As the 19th century progressed, tourism became an increasingly important industry in Green Lake County. The pristine lakes and natural beauty of the area attracted vacationers from nearby cities, leading to the development of resorts and hotels. Grand Victorian-style homes were built along the lakeshores, showcasing the wealth and elegance of the era.

In the early 20th century, Green Lake County became a popular destination for renowned architects and designers. The American System-Built Homes, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, were constructed in the area, adding to its architectural significance. Today, Green Lake County continues to be a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of recreational activities, historical attractions, and scenic beauty for visitors to enjoy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Green Lake County, Wisconsin.

  • 1838 - Green Lake County is created as an original county in the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1850 - The first settler, Joseph Dart, arrives in Green Lake County.
  • 1852 - The first post office is established in Green Lake County.
  • 1853 - The first county courthouse is built in Dartford.
  • 1862 - Dartford is renamed Green Lake, becoming the county seat.
  • 1867 - The Green Lake Conference Center, now known as the American Baptist Assembly, is established.
  • 1904 - The Green Lake County Fair is first held.
  • 1950 - Green Lake County's population peaks at over 13,000 residents.
  • 1980 - The Little White Schoolhouse, a historic one-room schoolhouse, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008 - The Green Lake Conservancy is founded to preserve and protect natural areas in the county.