Antigo Post Office
501 ClermontSt., Antigo, 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.
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.
The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century brought significant changes to the region. In 1853, the county was officially established and named after Charles Michel de Langlade, a prominent French-Canadian fur trader and military leader who played a crucial role in the area's early development. The logging industry quickly boomed, with vast forests being cleared to meet the growing demand for lumber. Sawmills and logging camps sprung up across the county, attracting a wave of immigrants in search of work and economic opportunity.
The 20th century saw a transition in Langlade County's economy from logging to agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Many of the once-thriving logging towns became farming communities, as settlers began clearing land for farming purposes. The county also saw the establishment of industrial plants, including paper mills and factories, which provided employment for the local population. The county's beautiful natural landscapes, including its numerous lakes and forests, also attracted tourists looking for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping.
Today, Langlade County continues to embrace its natural beauty and historical heritage. The county remains largely rural, with a strong focus on agriculture, outdoor tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. Various historical sites and museums throughout the county offer visitors a glimpse into the region's past, including its Native American roots, logging history, and early settlement. With its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Langlade County is a place that celebrates its history while looking toward a vibrant future.
Langlade County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Langlade County, Wisconsin.
- 1715 - French traders and explorers arrive in the area
- 1843 - Langlade County is established
- 1852 - Logging becomes a major industry in the area
- 1879 - City of Antigo is founded
- 1882 - Railroad reaches Langlade County, boosting growth
- 1928 - Construction of Langlade County Courthouse is completed
- 1942 - Langlade County Fair is established
- 1980 - Completion of the Ice Age Trail through Langlade County
- 2003 - Expansion of the Northwood Golf Club
- 2011 - Langlade County Historical Society celebrates its 50th anniversary