National Register Listing

US Post Office and Courthouse-Lander Main

a.k.a. See also:Lander Downtown Historic District

177 N. Third St., Lander, WY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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.

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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
The state capitol building in Cheyenne, Wyoming is one of the most ornate and beautiful in the United States.
Wyoming random facts
Fremont County, Wyoming, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Arapaho, who lived off the land and relied on hunting and gathering for survival. The first European explorers to reach the area were the legendary Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s. They were followed by various fur traders and trappers who ventured into the region attracted by its abundant wildlife.

In the mid-1800s, Fremont County played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became an important junction on the Oregon Trail, a major route used by pioneers in their quest for a better life in the western territories. The establishment of the Sublette Cutoff, a shortcut for the Oregon Trail, further increased the county's prominence as a stopping point for travelers.

With the discovery of gold in the late 1860s, Fremont County experienced a significant population boom. Numerous mining towns sprang up throughout the area, attracting prospectors from all over the country in search of fortune. Notable mining districts included Atlantic City, Miner's Delight, and South Pass City. The gold rush era brought great prosperity to the county, leading to the construction of schools, churches, and other infrastructure.

In the 20th century, Fremont County's economy diversified, moving away from mining and focusing more on agriculture, tourism, and other industries. Today, the county is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including parts of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Wind River Range. It continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and winter sports. Despite changes over the years, Fremont County retains its rugged western charm and serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the American frontier.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fremont County, Wyoming.

  • 1807: The area that would later become Fremont County is explored by fur trappers and mountain men.
  • 1825: The first permanent settlement, called Fort William, is established by trappers from the Rocky Mountain Fur Company.
  • 1861: Fremont County is officially created as part of the Dakota Territory.
  • 1868: The Treaty of Fort Bridger is signed, establishing the Wind River Indian Reservation within Fremont County.
  • 1870: The town of Lander is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1871: Gold is discovered in nearby South Pass City, leading to a gold rush and increased settlement in the area.
  • 1884: The Shoshone National Forest, the first national forest in the United States, is established in Fremont County.
  • 1896: Fremont County becomes part of the new state of Wyoming.
  • 1911: The town of Riverton is founded and becomes the second-largest city in Fremont County.
  • 1922: Wind River Canyon is opened, providing a scenic route through the county.
  • 1950s-1960s: Uranium mining and nuclear testing bring economic development and population growth to Fremont County.
  • 1972: The Wind River Indian Reservation is expanded, increasing its size within Fremont County.
  • 1980s-1990s: Oil and gas exploration and production become major industries in Fremont County.
  • 2005: The Wind River Casino opens on the Wind River Indian Reservation, contributing to the local economy.