National Register Listing

West Allis Post Office

a.k.a. United States Post Office, Milwaukee, West Allis Branch

7440 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
  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.

architecture art post office
Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.
The first ever commercially successful typewriter, the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, was invented in Milwaukee in 1867.
Wisconsin random facts
Milwaukee County, located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive and establish fur trading posts in the region.

In 1834, Solomon Juneau and Byron Kilbourn, two pioneers, founded the town of Milwaukee, which quickly grew due to its strategic location on the western shore of Lake Michigan. With access to waterways and proximity to the Mississippi River system, Milwaukee became an important trading center. In 1846, the town was officially incorporated as the City of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County was established in 1835 as one of the original counties in the Wisconsin Territory. As the population of Milwaukee grew, so did the county's importance. The city became a major industrial hub and attracted immigrants from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, Poland, and Italy. These immigrants played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of Milwaukee.

In the early 20th century, Milwaukee County faced challenges associated with urbanization and industrialization. The county experienced growth and prosperity, but also social and economic inequality. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Milwaukee County has made efforts to address these issues through urban planning, social programs, and economic development initiatives. Today, Milwaukee County is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse population, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

  • 1834 - Milwaukee County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1838 - The city of Milwaukee becomes the county seat.
  • 1846 - Wisconsin becomes a state and Milwaukee County remains part of it.
  • 1860 - Completion of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad brings economic growth to the county.
  • 1893 - Construction of the Milwaukee City Hall is completed.
  • 1939 - Completion of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus.
  • 1950 - Milwaukee Braves, the county's Major League Baseball team, wins the National League pennant.
  • 2000 - Completion of the Milwaukee Art Museum's iconic Calatrava-designed addition.
  • 2010 - Milwaukee County opens the Oak Leaf Trail, a 125-mile multi-use trail system.