National Register Listing

US Post Office-Valentine

a.k.a. Cherry County Sawyer Memorial Library Educational Service Un

348 N. Main St., Valentine, NE
Local significance of the building:
Art; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
  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.

art politics government post office
Nebraska - the land of endless horizons, where the spirit can soar and the heart can find peace.
Mari Sandoz in Old Jules
Cherry County, Nebraska, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to Native American settlements. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various tribes, such as the Sioux, Pawnee, and Omaha. These native populations relied on the land's resources for sustenance, hunting bison and farming in the fertile river valleys.

In the mid-1800s, as pioneers migrated westward, Cherry County began to see an influx of settlers. The establishment of Fort Niobrara in 1880 played a significant role in attracting settlers. Cattle ranching became the predominant industry, and homesteads were established throughout the county. The railroad's arrival in the late 1880s further fueled development in the area.

Cherry County was officially organized in 1883 and named after Lieutenant Samuel A. Cherry, who had en route to the Yellowstone Expedition. As the county grew, towns like Valentine, the county seat, emerged as thriving communities. The town's economy was bolstered by the railroad, which brought trade and commerce.

Today, Cherry County is recognized as being the largest county in Nebraska and encompasses diverse landscapes, including the Sandhills and the Niobrara River valley. Agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming, remains vital to the county's economy. The area also attracts tourists who come to explore its natural beauty, enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hunting, and visit attractions such as the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and the Niobrara National Scenic River.

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

  • 1883: Cherry County is established on February 25.
  • 1884: The first county courthouse is built in Valentine.
  • 1887: The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad reaches Valentine.
  • 1890: Valentine becomes the county seat.
  • 1894: The population of Cherry County exceeds 2,000.
  • 1913: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a part of Cherry County, is established.
  • 1953: The Niobrara National Scenic River is designated.
  • 1981: The Nebraska National Forest is established in the northwest part of Cherry County.
  • 1991: The Nebraska Sandhills region, a large area within Cherry County, is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
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