National Register Listing

US Post Office-Thermopolis Main

440 Arapahoe St., Thermopolis, 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 post office
The Ames Monument, located in southeastern Wyoming, is a pyramid-shaped monument built to honor the Ames brothers, who helped finance the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Wyoming random facts
Hot Springs County, Wyoming, has a rich and diverse history dating back to prehistoric times. The region has been inhabited by various Native American tribes for thousands of years, including the Shoshone and Arapaho people. These tribes utilized the natural hot springs in the area for healing and spiritual purposes, which gave Hot Springs County its name.

European explorers and fur traders began arriving in the early 1800s. The first recorded non-indigenous person to visit the region was the famous mountain man Jim Bridger in 1832. The establishment of the Oregon Trail, a major migration route for settlers heading west, brought a significant influx of pioneers to the area in the mid-1800s. The town of Thermopolis, which is now the county seat of Hot Springs County, was founded in 1897.

The hot springs of Hot Springs County became a popular tourist attraction in the late 19th century, drawing visitors from all over the country. The town of Thermopolis experienced a period of growth and development during this time, with the construction of bathhouses, hotels, and other facilities to accommodate tourists. The hot springs still remain a major tourist draw today, with visitors coming to relax in the therapeutic waters and explore the surrounding natural beauty.

In addition to its natural attractions, Hot Springs County has also played a significant role in Wyoming's oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to the development of numerous oil wells and drilling operations, bringing economic prosperity to the area. The oil and gas industry continues to be an important part of the county's economy, along with agriculture and tourism. Today, Hot Springs County is known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hot Springs County, Wyoming.

  • 1807 - Scottish explorer David Thompson visits the area
  • 1862 - The first recorded settlers arrive in the Upper Owl Creek Valley
  • 1878 - The town of Thermopolis is founded
  • 1881 - Hot Springs County is established
  • 1896 - The first hot mineral bathhouse is built in Thermopolis
  • 1911 - The State Bathhouse is constructed, becoming the world's largest mineral hot springs facility
  • 1973 - Hot Springs State Park is established
  • 2010 - The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is opened in Thermopolis