US Post Office-Douglas Main
129 N. Third St., Douglas, WY Local significance of the building:
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
Wyoming was the site of the infamous Johnson County War, a range war that took place in 1892 between large cattle ranchers and small farmers and ranchers.
In the 19th century, Converse County became an important hub for the American fur trade, attracting both traders and settlers. The discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills of South Dakota in the late 1870s further fueled the growth in the area. In 1888, Converse County was officially established, named after A.R. Converse, a prominent Wyoming banker and politician.
The expansion of the railroad network in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Converse County. The arrival of the railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, leading to the establishment of several towns, including Douglas, the county seat. Douglas became a major shipping and trading center for the region, facilitating the growth of agriculture and ranching industries.
Throughout the 20th century, Converse County experienced various economic booms, primarily driven by the discovery and extraction of natural resources. In the early 20th century, oil and gas were discovered in the county, leading to the establishment of oil fields and refineries. This industry continues to be a significant part of the county's economy to this day.
In summary, Converse County's history is characterized by the influence of Native American tribes, the growth of the fur trade, the impact of the railroad, and the development of the oil and gas industry. Today, Converse County remains an important part of Wyoming's economy and heritage.
Converse County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Converse County, Wyoming.
- 1860: Early settlers arrive in the area now known as Converse County.
- 1888: The county is officially established on March 9.
- 1889: The town of Douglas is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1892: The Burlington Railroad reaches Douglas, bringing significant economic growth.
- 1910: The Wyoming State Hospital is established in Douglas.
- 1916: Glenrock is incorporated as a town.
- 1922: Oil is discovered in the Lance Creek oil field, leading to an oil boom in the region.
- 1950s: The oil industry continues to thrive, bringing economic prosperity.
- 1961: Thunder Basin National Grassland is established in northeastern Converse County.
- 1976: Ayer Natural Bridge, a popular geological formation, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1990s: The county experiences an economic downturn due to decreasing oil prices.
- 2000s: Efforts are made to diversify the economy, focusing on tourism and new industries.