Marshfield Post Office

Historical marker location:

202 S. Chestnut Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of South Chestnut Avenue and West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south on South Chestnut Avenue.)

1930

A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.

The House on the Rock, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a unique tourist attraction that features a bizarre collection of antiques, automata, and other oddities. It was built by architect Alex Jordan Jr. in the 1940s and 1950s.

About Wood County

Wood County, Wisconsin has a fascinating history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people. In the early 1800s, European settlers arrived in the region, drawn by the ample resources and fertile lands.

In 1856, Wood County was officially established and named after Joseph Wood, a prominent Wisconsin Supreme Court judge. The county's early economy was driven by logging and the timber industry, with vast forests covering the area. Logging camps, sawmills, and lumber mills sprang up throughout the county, attracting a diverse population of workers. This logging boom continued into the late 1800s, shaping the landscape and fostering the growth of towns like Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and Pittsville.

By the early 1900s, the timber resources of Wood County began to dwindle, leading to a decline in the logging industry. However, the region quickly adapted to new industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. Farmers settled in the area, establishing dairy farms and cultivating crops, making Wood County known for its rich agricultural heritage. At the same time, manufacturing companies emerged, producing everything from furniture to paper.

In the 20th century, Wood County experienced significant growth, driven by the rise of tourism and advancements in technology. The Wisconsin River, which flows through the county, became a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The development of highways and transportation infrastructure allowed for easy access to the county's natural beauty. Additionally, the availability of electricity and the expansion of telecommunications spurred economic growth and improved the quality of life for residents.

Today, Wood County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. While agriculture and manufacturing remain vital industries, the county has embraced a more diversified economy that includes healthcare, education, and tourism. The deep-rooted history of Wood County serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of its people, who have transformed the region with each passing era.

Wood County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wood County, Wisconsin.

1836 - Wood County, WI established as part of Iowa County
1846 - Wood County separated from Iowa County and became part of Portage County
1856 - Wood County officially recognized as a separate entity
1873 - Marshfield chosen as the county seat
1893 - Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Wood County, boosting economic growth
1922 - Introduction of electricity and telephones in Wood County
1940s-1950s - Wood County experiences increased population and industrial growth
1991 - Opening of the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
2006 - Completion of Marshfield Medical Center, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility