Elkhorn Post Office
102 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn, 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 European to explore Wisconsin was Jean Nicolet, a French explorer who arrived in 1634. He was looking for a water route to Asia but instead encountered the Menominee Indians near Green Bay.
European settlers began to arrive in the region in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. In 1836, the Wisconsin Territory was established, and Walworth County was officially formed in 1838. The county was named in honor of Reuben H. Walworth, a prominent lawyer and judge from New York.
During the mid-19th century, agriculture became a vital industry in Walworth County. Farmers took advantage of the fertile soil to cultivate crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and barley. The county also became known for its thriving dairy industry, with numerous cheese factories and creameries being established.
In addition to agriculture, tourism also played a significant role in the county's history. With its picturesque lakes and scenic landscapes, Walworth County became a popular destination for city dwellers looking for a respite from urban life. Resorts, hotels, and summer cottages began to dot the shoreline of Geneva Lake, attracting visitors from Chicago and other nearby cities.
Today, Walworth County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It remains an attractive destination for tourists, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking. The county also boasts a strong agricultural sector, with numerous small farms and farmers' markets, as well as a growing manufacturing and service industry.
Walworth County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Walworth County, Wisconsin.
- 1836 - Walworth County is established on January 28.
- 1838 - The first settlers arrive in the area.
- 1840 - The first post office is established in Elkhorn.
- 1843 - The first courthouse is built.
- 1844 - The first newspaper, the "Walworth County Democrat," is published.
- 1851 - The Wisconsin, Fox Lake, and Mississippi Railroad reaches Walworth County.
- 1852 - The Walworth County Fair is established and held for the first time.
- 1860 - The population of Walworth County reaches over 22,000.
- 1894 - The Village of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake is incorporated.
- 1897 - Richard B. Smith founds the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan.
- 1941 - The Army Air Force opens the Lake Geneva Air Park.
- 1965 - The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater opens its new campus in Whitewater.
- 1984 - Lake Geneva hosts the sailing events of the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.
- 1998 - The Walworth County Historical Society is founded.