US Post Office-Torrington Main
2145 Main St., Torrington, 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.
The famous geologist and explorer John Wesley Powell led an expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers, which run through Wyoming, in 1869.
In 1849, the California Gold Rush brought an influx of settlers to the area. As a result, Fort Laramie was established in 1849 as a strategic trading post and military outpost along the Oregon and California Trails. The fort played a significant role in the westward expansion, serving as a vital supply point and a place of rest for weary travelers. The relationship between settlers and Native Americans, however, became increasingly strained as tension escalated over land rights and resources.
The establishment of the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s brought a new wave of settlers to Goshen County. The railroad facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of towns and communities along its route. Agribusiness, particularly cattle ranching and farming, became the mainstay of Goshen County's economy, attracting even more settlers to the region.
In the early 20th century, Goshen County experienced both challenges and opportunities. Drought, economic depressions, and the Great Depression impacted the region, making survival difficult for many residents. However, efforts to harness water resources through irrigation systems and the construction of the Guernsey Dam provided a much-needed boost to agriculture and helped mitigate some of the challenges faced by the community.
Today, Goshen County continues to thrive as an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching remaining integral to its economy. The region also embraces its history and heritage, evident in the preservation of historical sites such as Fort Laramie and the Oregon-California Trails. Goshen County's diverse past shapes its present, serving as a reminder of the resilience and tenacity of those who have called the area home over the years.
Goshen County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Goshen County, Wyoming.
- 1885 - Goshen County is established in the Wyoming Territory.
- 1890 - The county experiences a population boom with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
- 1911 - Torrington becomes the county seat, replacing Cheyenne.
- 1932 - The Goshen Irrigation District is formed, bringing water to the county's agricultural lands.
- 1969 - Goshen County welcomes its first community college, Eastern Wyoming College.
- 1982 - Goshen County Museum is opened, showcasing the region's history and culture.
- 1997 - The Wyoming State Fair moves to Goshen County, becoming an annual event.