Oconto Main Post Office
141 Congress St., Oconto, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
Wisconsin was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was created by the United States in 1787. It later became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805, and then part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
In the early 19th century, the area saw an influx of fur traders, attracted by the abundant game, particularly beavers in the local rivers. However, it was the logging industry that would shape much of Oconto County's history. The vast stands of pine in the region provided ample resources for the rapidly growing lumber industry. Sawmills sprang up along the rivers, and Oconto quickly became a hub for timber shipping.
With the growth of the lumber industry, Oconto County experienced a boom in population and economic activity. The town of Oconto, originally a small trading post, grew into a bustling city, attracting immigrants from various European countries who came seeking work in the logging industry. By the late 19th century, Oconto County had become one of the largest producers of lumber in the United States.
As the 20th century dawned, the effects of overlogging and environmental concerns began to take their toll on the industry. The decline of the timber industry led to a shift in the county's economy, with agriculture and tourism becoming increasingly important. Today, Oconto County boasts a diverse economy that includes farming, dairy production, manufacturing, and a growing tourism industry that takes advantage of its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county continues to evolve and adapt while cherishing its rich history and natural resources.
Oconto County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Oconto County, Wisconsin.
- 1818 - Oconto County is established as a part of Michigan Territory.
- 1836 - Wisconsin Territory is formed and includes Oconto County.
- 1854 - Oconto County is officially organized and named after the Oconto River.
- Late 1800s - Logging becomes a major industry in Oconto County due to the area's abundant forests.
- 1871 - Fire destroys much of Oconto city, leading to the adoption of stricter fire safety measures.
- Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes important alongside logging, with dairy farming being a key industry.
- 1940s-1950s - Oconto County experiences a population decline due to the reductions in the logging industry.
- 1960s-1970s - Economic diversification efforts focus on tourism and recreational activities.
- 1994 - Oconto County begins to experience population growth again.