Marshfield Post Office
202 S. Chestnut Ave., Marschfield, 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.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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