Waukesha Post Office
235 W. Broadway Ave., Waukesha, WI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest and largest public university in the state, and is often referred to as the "Harvard of the Midwest." It was founded in 1848, just two months after Wisconsin became a state.
In the mid-19th century, the construction of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad brought significant growth and economic development to Waukesha County. The first train arrived in the county in 1851, connecting the area to Milwaukee and stimulating trade and transportation. This led to the establishment of new towns, such as Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha, the county seat.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county became a popular destination for wealthy urban residents seeking a retreat from city life. The region's picturesque lakes and scenic landscapes attracted tourists and led to the development of resort communities, including Delafield and Nashotah. These communities flourished as vacation spots and continued to attract visitors well into the 20th century.
Over time, Waukesha County evolved into a suburban area with a strong emphasis on education and healthcare. The region experienced rapid population growth throughout the 20th century, and many companies and industries relocated to the county. With its proximity to Milwaukee, Waukesha County has become a desirable place for families seeking a suburban lifestyle while remaining close to urban amenities.
Today, Waukesha County is known for its high standard of living, beautiful parks, and excellent school systems. It continues to grow and thrive, maintaining its reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Waukesha County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
- 1834: Waukesha County is established as the final of Wisconsin's original counties.
- 1836: Waukesha becomes the first county seat.
- 1846: The City of Waukesha is incorporated.
- 1852: The Wisconsin Territorial Legislature establishes the State of Wisconsin's first mental institution in Wauwatosa.
- 1874: The Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad starts operation in Waukesha County.
- 1893: The City of Oconomowoc is incorporated.
- 1901: The first electric interurban railway, The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company, operates in Waukesha.
- 1903: Waukesha County Parks System is established.
- 1958: Carroll College (now Carroll University) gains university status.
- 2000: Waukesha County Technical College celebrates its centennial anniversary.