Dickinson Post Office

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The Dickinson Post Office is one of only 20 post offices built in the state by the federal government between 1900 and 1940. Erected in 1916, it is also one of the oldest multi-purpose federal buildings in North Dakota. As for architecture, the building exhibits a Classical Revival appearance, featuring a symmetrical design, arched windows (the top portions of the windows are now filled in) and a dentilled cornice. It continues to function as a post office and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Images

The Dickinson Post Office was built in 1916.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Before the post office was built, postal services were housed in the First National Bank building located at the intersection of Villard Avenue and First Street. Congress approved the construction of the new post office (and other federal buildings in the state) in 1913. It was intended to house stamps, envelopes and other supplies for other post offices in the county and in this way it became the distribution hub for these post offices. The post office was also designed so that other federal agencies, including the U.S. Land Office and Weather Bureau, could occupy it. Interestingly, the building was also intended to house the federal district court but this never came to pass.

Sources

Roberts, Dr. Norene. "Dickinson Post Office." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 1, 1989. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/1bb62bb3-361f-46d8-9812-79e8dca876e0.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DickinsonND_PostOffice.jpg

Additional Information

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Dickinson Post Office