Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:
123 West Main Street, Sparta, Wisconsin
( Marker is at the intersection of South Court Street and West Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Court Street.)
Marker installed: 2004

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.
The House on the Rock, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a unique tourist attraction that features a bizarre collection of antiques, automata, and other oddities. It was built by architect Alex Jordan Jr. in the 1940s and 1950s.
Wisconsin random facts
Monroe County, located in southwestern Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk, who utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and farming. European exploration and colonization began in the 17th century, with French and British traders venturing into the region to establish fur trading posts.

In the early 19th century, European settlement in Monroe County began to increase. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The construction of the La Crosse-Milwaukee Road, a major railroad line, in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the county, facilitating commerce and trade.

Monroe County experienced significant growth and transformation in the 20th century. During World War II, the county was home to Fort McCoy, a military training site that played a vital role in the war effort. The fort continues to operate today and has become an important economic and cultural asset for the county. In addition, the construction of Interstate 90 in the 1960s further improved transportation and contributed to the county's economic expansion.

Today, Monroe County maintains its strong agricultural heritage while embracing tourism and outdoor recreation as key economic drivers. Visitors can explore the county's natural beauty by hiking or biking along numerous trails, kayaking in the Kickapoo River, or camping in its scenic parks. The county also hosts cultural events, such as the annual Monroe County Fair, which celebrates the county's agricultural traditions and showcases local talent. With a rich history and vibrant present, Monroe County continues to thrive and offer its residents and visitors a high quality of life.

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

  • 1818: Treaty of 1818 establishes the northern border of Monroe County
  • 1849: Monroe County is created and named after President James Monroe
  • 1854: First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1856: Sparta becomes the county seat
  • 1862: The Civil War begins, several men from Monroe County enlist
  • 1873: Railroad reaches Sparta, boosting transportation and trade
  • 1904: A major fire destroys parts of Sparta's downtown area
  • 1967: Fort McCoy army base is established in the county
  • 1970: Monroe County celebrates its 125th anniversary
  • 1990: The population of Monroe County reaches over 40,000
  • 2008: Record flooding affects many communities in the county