Edgerton Post Office
104 N. Swift St., Edgerton, 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 famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini spent his early childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin.
The first European settlement in Rock County was established in 1835 by William Holmes, who built a log cabin near the present-day city of Beloit. The area quickly attracted more settlers, and by 1836, Rock County was formed and named after the Rock River that flows through it. The discovery of lead in the region in the 1820s brought an influx of miners, leading to the growth of towns like Mineral Point and Shullsburg.
The mid-19th century saw the establishment and growth of several towns in Rock County, including Janesville and Evansville. Janesville, in particular, flourished as a trading center and transportation hub, thanks to its location on the Rock River and the construction of a railroad in the 1850s. By the late 1800s, Janesville had become an industrial center with mills, foundries, and factories producing a wide range of goods.
The 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities to Rock County. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard, but the county rebounded during World War II, when manufacturing industries expanded to support the war effort. After the war, Rock County experienced further industrial growth, especially in the automotive and farm equipment sectors. However, the late 20th century brought challenges as some industries faced decline and job losses.
Today, Rock County continues to evolve and adapt. The county is known for its agricultural heritage and is home to many family farms. It also boasts a diverse economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and community events, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the people who have called Rock County home throughout its history.
Rock County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rock County, Wisconsin.
- 1836 - Rock County is organized and established as a county in the Wisconsin Territory.
- 1844 - The city of Janesville is incorporated as the county seat of Rock County.
- 1854 - The Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad reaches Janesville, spurring economic growth in the county.
- 1861-1865 - Rock County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many joining Union forces.
- 1873 - The Janesville Electric Company is established, providing electric power to the city.
- 1900 - The automobile industry begins to flourish in Rock County, with several car manufacturers setting up operations.
- 1936 - The Rock County Airport (now Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport) is established near Janesville.
- 1942 - General Motors builds a large manufacturing plant in Janesville, becoming a major employer in the county for decades.
- 1964 - Rock County experiences a devastating tornado outbreak, causing significant damage to several communities.
- 2008 - General Motors announces the closure of its Janesville plant, leading to a significant economic impact on the county.