West Bend Post Office
607 Elm St., West Bend, 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 hydroelectric power plant in the United States was built in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1882.
As more settlers arrived in Washington County, small towns began to emerge throughout the region. The county's first permanent settlement, West Bend, was established in 1845 along the Milwaukee River. The growth of these towns was fueled by the construction of the Erie Canal in the 1840s, which provided a direct transportation route to the east coast, stimulating trade and commerce in the area.
With the development of the railroad in the late 19th century, Washington County experienced a significant economic boom. Rail lines connected the county with larger cities such as Milwaukee, enabling faster transportation of goods and people. This led to the establishment of additional industries, including manufacturing and brewing, which further contributed to the county's growth.
Washington County also played a significant role in the founding of the State of Wisconsin. In 1846, a convention was held in Hartford, Washington County, to draft a constitution for the proposed state. This constitution was later ratified, and Wisconsin officially became a state in 1848.
Today, Washington County remains an important agricultural hub, with acres of farmland producing a variety of crops. The county's rich history can be explored through numerous historical sites and museums, showcasing its pioneer heritage and the contributions of its diverse communities.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Washington County, Wisconsin.
- 1834: Washington County is established on December 7, 1834, as part of the Michigan Territory.
- 1836: The Wisconsin Territory is created, and Washington County becomes part of it on July 4, 1836.
- 1845: The city of West Bend is established as the county seat on November 12, 1845.
- 1853: The Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad reaches West Bend in January 1853, providing transportation for goods and passengers.
- 1862: The Washington County Fair is held for the first time, becoming an annual event.
- 1892: The first telephone exchange is established in West Bend, connecting the county to the outside world.
- 1902: The Washington County Courthouse is built, replacing the original one that was destroyed by fire.
- 1944: The Washington County Hospital is established, providing healthcare services to the community.
- 1961: The Washington County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
- 1997: The Washington County Golf Course opens, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- 2010: The United States Census reports a population of 131,887 for Washington County.