National Register Listing

Kewaunee Post Office

119 Ellis St., Kewaunee, 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 first ever televised political debate was held in Wisconsin during the 1950 U.S. Senate race between Joseph McCarthy and Robert La Follette Jr.
Wisconsin random facts
Kewaunee County, located in northeastern Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to when it was inhabited by Native American tribes. The region was originally home to the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Winnebago tribes who relied on the natural resources of the area for their livelihoods. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, with French fur traders establishing a presence in the area.

In the early 19th century, the United States government acquired the region through treaties with the Native American tribes, opening the way for European-American settlement. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1830s, primarily of German and Irish descent. The town of Kewanee, later renamed Kewaunee, was founded in 1852 and became the county seat in 1858.

The county's economy was initially fueled by agriculture, particularly dairy farming. Kewaunee County quickly developed as a major producer of milk, cheese, and other dairy products. The area's rich soil and temperate climate were favorable for agricultural activities, leading to the establishment of numerous family farms and creameries.

In the 20th century, the economy diversified with the growth of the manufacturing industry. Shipbuilding, aluminum production, and other manufacturing operations flourished, providing additional employment opportunities for the county's residents. Today, Kewaunee County continues to be known for its scenic landscapes, agricultural heritage, and industrial contributions.

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

  • 1852: Kewaunee County is established and named after the Kewaunee River.
  • 1855: The first courthouse is built in Kewaunee, the county seat.
  • 1860: Kewaunee County's population reaches over 7,000 people.
  • 1881: The Ahnapee & Western Railway is completed, providing transportation for goods and people.
  • 1894: The Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is constructed to guide ships into Kewaunee harbor.
  • 1911: The Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant is built, becoming the county's largest employer.
  • 1926: The Kewaunee County Fair is established, showcasing agricultural and entertainment exhibits.
  • 1949: The Kewaunee County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1973: The Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant begins operations, generating electricity for the region.
  • 1995: The Kewaunee County Jail Museum opens, offering visitors a glimpse into the county's past.