US Post Office-Newcastle Main
W. Main St. and Sumner Ave., Newcastle, 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 location of the world's first commercial oil well, which was drilled in 1859 near present-day Casper.
The area that would become Weston County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne. These tribes relied on the abundant wildlife and natural resources in the area for their survival. However, the arrival of European explorers in the early 19th century, such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, brought significant change.
With the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s, Weston County experienced a wave of settlement, as the railroad became a major route for immigrants heading west. The town of Newcastle was established in 1888 as a result of the railroad's expansion, becoming the county seat of Weston County. The railroad brought economic development and allowed for the transportation of goods and resources, stimulating growth in the region.
One significant industry that emerged in Weston County was coal mining. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, extensive coal deposits were discovered in the region, leading to the establishment of numerous coal mines. The demand for coal increased as it became essential for fueling locomotives and powering industries. The mining industry boomed, attracting workers and investment to the area. Coal mining remained a vital part of Weston County's economy for many years.
Today, Weston County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including agriculture, energy production, and tourism. The area's vast natural beauty, including the Black Hills National Forest and Devils Tower National Monument, attracts visitors from around the world. The legacy of Weston County's history can still be felt in its historic towns, cultural heritage, and the resilience of its residents who have adapted to changing times while preserving their heritage.
Weston County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Weston County, Wyoming.
- 1890 - Weston County is established on March 12, becoming one of the newer counties in Wyoming.
- 1887 - Newcastle is founded as the county seat of Weston County.
- Late 1800s - Cattle ranching and coal mining industries boom, attracting settlers to the area.
- 1868 - Treaty of Fort Laramie is signed, which includes the land that is present-day Weston County.
- 1834 - Mountain men, including Jim Bridger and Kit Carson, explore the region.
- Late 1700s - Native American tribes, including the Sioux and Cheyenne, inhabit the area.
- 1763 - The land west of the Mississippi River comes under Spanish control following the Treaty of Paris.
- 1743 - Explorer Pierre La Verendrye reaches present-day Wyoming, including what is now Weston County.