National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Court House

a.k.a. Joseph C. O'Mahoney Federal Center

2120 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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.

architecture politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Wyoming.
Wyoming was the last state in the United States to establish a state lottery, which was approved by voters in 2013.
Wyoming random facts
Laramie County, located in southeastern Wyoming, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Sioux, who relied on the abundant wildlife and natural resources of the region for their livelihoods. The arrival of European fur traders in the early 19th century brought increased interaction and trade with the Native Americans.

The area that would later become Laramie County was officially established in 1867, when Wyoming was still part of the Dakota Territory. It was named after Jacques La Ramee, a French-Canadian fur trapper who explored the region in the early 1800s. The establishment of Fort Laramie in the mid-19th century played a significant role in the county's history, serving as a major military outpost and a hub for fur trade and westward migration.

The county experienced rapid development and growth with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s, which connected the region to the eastern United States. The railroad brought an influx of settlers and entrepreneurs who established towns and ranches in the area, laying the foundation for what would become the modern-day cities of Cheyenne and Laramie.

Over the years, Laramie County has played an important role in Wyoming's economy. It became the state capital in 1869 when Wyoming officially became a territory, and Cheyenne continues to serve as the capital to this day. The region has seen booms and busts in various industries, including cattle ranching, coal mining, and oil exploration, all of which have shaped the county's economy and identity. Today, Laramie County is a vibrant community that celebrates its Western heritage while embracing new industries and opportunities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Laramie County, Wyoming.

  • 1867: Laramie County is founded and named after Jacques La Ramée, a French-Canadian fur trapper.
  • 1868: Fort D.A. Russell is established near present-day Cheyenne, becoming an important military outpost during the Indian Wars.
  • 1869: Cheyenne is designated as the capital of Wyoming Territory.
  • 1887: Cheyenne becomes one of the first cities in the world to have electric streetlights.
  • 1920: The first commercial airport in Wyoming, Cheyenne Municipal Airport, is opened.
  • 1959: F.E. Warren Air Force Base is transferred to the Strategic Air Command, playing a crucial role during the Cold War.
  • 1987: The Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne is added to the National Register of Historic Places.