Merrill Post Office
430 E. Second St., Merrill, 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.
In 1874, Lincoln County was officially established, named after President Abraham Lincoln. Logging quickly became a significant industry in the area, with the Wisconsin River serving as a crucial transportation route for floating timber downstream. Numerous sawmills sprang up throughout the county, attracting immigrants from Scandinavia and other parts of Europe to work in the booming lumber industry.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled Lincoln County's development. The expansion of the railway network facilitated the transportation of timber, lumber, and agricultural products, leading to an increase in economic opportunities for the county's residents. The railroad also brought about the growth of towns and villages, including Merrill, which became the county seat.
In the 20th century, agriculture gradually replaced logging as the dominant industry in Lincoln County. Dairy farming, potato cultivation, and other agricultural activities thrived, providing employment and sustenance to the local population. Today, Lincoln County continues to boast a diverse economy, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, attracting visitors to its natural attractions such as the beautiful lakes and forests that have been preserved throughout its history.
Lincoln County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
- 1848: Wisconsin becomes a state of the United States, including what is now Lincoln County.
- 1874: Lincoln County is established, named after President Abraham Lincoln.
- 1875: The first courthouse is built in Merrill, the county seat of Lincoln County.
- 1881: The Wisconsin Central Railway reaches Merrill, boosting the local economy.
- 1899: Merrill is incorporated as a city.
- 1929: The stock market crash and the Great Depression have a significant impact on Lincoln County's economy.
- 1940: Under the Works Progress Administration, the Merrill Municipal Forest is established, providing employment opportunities.
- 1975: The County-City Government Center is constructed in Merrill as a central hub for county operations.
- 1998: The Lincoln County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the history of the county.
- 2010: The completion of Highway 51 expansion improves transportation connections for Lincoln County.