Former Hidalgo Post Office
Hidalgo, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Oldest in existence. Built 1889 to house a general merchandise store. One part was reserved for the town's postal service, then in its 32nd year, served until 1913. Store owner William Odell, his wife Josephine, and Gumaro, son of co-owner Desiderio Rodriguez, were Postmasters. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1889 to house a general merchandise store, this modest building set aside one corner for the town's postal service — a common arrangement on the Texas frontier, where the store was the heart of a community. It served as Hidalgo's post office until 1913, with storekeeper William Odell, his wife Josephine, and Gumaro Rodriguez among those who kept the mail moving. It is celebrated as the oldest surviving post office building of its kind.
Why it matters
Small-town general stores doubling as post offices knit isolated communities into the young nation's networks of commerce and communication.
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Related people
- · William Odell
- · Josephine Odell
- · Gumaro Rodriguez
- · Desiderio Rodriguez
Themes & tags
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