Construction of Hamilton’s post office began in August 1940 after the worst of the Depression had passed, yet the building remained a legacy of the New Deal, when federal construction projects increased to provide work. Montana congressman Jerry O’Connell secured the $100,000 appropriation for the combined post office and federal building as part of a bill authorizing $130 million for emergency construction across the United States. Built from a standardized Public Works Administration plan, the building has a symmetrical and dignified design. The post office was expanded in 1997, with the addition and new main entrance placed on North Fourth Street to preserve the historic structure. The original building, including the mural Flathead War Party, remains open for viewing. Commissioned through a national effort to employ artists and bring art to the people, Montana-born artist Henry Meloy’s mural depicts Flathead Indians preparing to attack their traditional enemies, the Blackfeet, and it is one of only six Depression-era post office murals in Montana.