Chippewa Falls in Chippewa County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Federal Building & Early Mail Service
Regular mail service and the first post office was established at Chippewa Falls in 1851. Hiram S. Allen received a commission as the first postmaster and received what little mail there was at the Company Store. Since postage stamps were not in use yet, the recipient of a letter was required to pay for its carriage and delivery before he received it. The usual charge was twenty-five cents.
By the year 1855 mail arrived by Pony Express and two years later a bi-weekly stage line was established between Chippewa Falls and Wabasha, from where the mail arrived up the Mississippi River by river boats. Free delivery of mail was started in 1888 when five uniformed carriers were approved by the Post Office Department in Washington, D.C. for the city of Chippewa Falls.
Marker Sign #10
Erected by the Chippewa County Historical Society. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 44° 56.254′ N, 91° 23.624′ W. Marker is in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in Chippewa County. Marker is on North Bridge Street south of East Columbia Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls WI 54729, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edward Rutledge Charity (within shouting distance of this marker); The Norway House & the Birthplace of Alexander Wiley (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the Hiram S. Allen Home (about 500 feet away); Site of the Mason Shoe Factory (about 700 feet away); The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oldest Commercial Building in Chippewa Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sokup's Market (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chippewa Falls.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.