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United States Post Office

Introduction

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The former United States Post Office in downtown The Dalles is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture. It was built in 1916, becoming the first building the federal government erected in the city. While no longer functioning as a post office, it remains an important landmark as it represents the role the federal government has played in The Dalles. In terms of architecture, the building features a symmetrical design, sandstone facade, and a grand colonnade with large Corinthian columns, among other decorative elements. Today the building is home to a private company.

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The former U.S. Post Office building was constructed in 1916 and was the first building the federal government erected in the city.

The former U.S. Post Office building was constructed in 1916 and was the first building the federal government erected in the city.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

By the time the courthouse was built, The Dalles had long been a well-established economic center, growing from a Methodist mission in 1838 to its founding as a city in 1851. Plans for the courthouse's construction began in 1910 when Congressman William R. Ellis proposed the idea for the project. It took a few years before construction finally began in March, 1915. The work was completed in July 1916. It appears that post office functions operated in the building at least through the late 1990s. The building is also a contributing property of The Dalles Commercial Historic District, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sources

Kolva, H.J. "U.S. Post Office, The Dalles, Oregon." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. March 4, 1985. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/85000545_text.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Steven Pavlov, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dalles,_OR_%E2%80%94_US_Post_Office_(former).jpg

Additional Information