Where the Post Office is a Palace

Located in the heart of Old Bisbee, the Bisbee Post Office is more than just a place to mail a letter—it is an architectural masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance Revival style. Completed in 1907, this towering Renaissance Revival structure features elegant arched windows and a regal presence that mirrors the town’s Gilded Age wealth.

Designed by Frederick C. Hurst, the building was funded by the Copper Queen Mining Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most photographed and vital institutions in Old Bisbee. 

Bisbee is the largest municipality in the United States that does not have home mail delivery. The town’s exceptionally steep topography and hundreds of historic stairways are considered too treacherous for postal carriers. By 1908, the Bisbee Post Office held the record for the most rented locked boxes (3,200) of any postal facility in the country due to the lack of home delivery.

Because residents must visit the post office in person to retrieve mail, it serves as a central social hub where locals frequently gather, supporting nearby businesses like coffee shops and bookstores.

The post office has a unique legacy tied to both the mining industry and social progress. In 1908, it made history as the only post office in the nation staffed entirely by women.

The post office occupies the ground floor of a three-story structure shared with the Copper Queen Library. While mail is handled on the first floor, the library is located on the third floor. Originally, the second floor featured reading and game rooms for miners.

The century-old building underwent significant renovation in 2007, which included the installation of an elevator to improve access to the upper floors. As of 2026, the Main Street post office remains in full operation.

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Know Before You Go:

• Hours:
  • Lobby Access: Typically open 24/7 for PO Box access.
  • Service Counter: Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed for lunch from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM). Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Location: You’ll find it at 6 Main St.
• Parking: Parking on Main Street is parallel and can be very tight. If you’re just dropping off a letter, there is a blue collection box right outside on the sidewalk. For longer visits, try the public parking lot near the Convention Center.
• The “Upstairs” Connection: After you mail your postcards, take the outdoor stairs on the side of the building to visit the Copper Queen Library —it’s widely considered one of the best small-town libraries in the country.
• Pro Tip: If you have a heavy package, try to find a spot in the loading zone out front, but be quick!

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