National Register Listing

United States Post Office-Baxley, Georgia

124 Tippins St., Baxley, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture politics government post office
During the American Revolution, Georgia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, which was a significant victory for the Patriot forces.
Georgia random facts
Appling County, Georgia, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The area that is now Appling County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek, Cherokee, and Timucua peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the 18th century, including Spanish explorers and British colonists.

In the late 1700s, the Georgia state legislature established Appling County as one of the original counties of the state. The county was named after Colonel Daniel Appling, a hero of the War of 1812. Appling County played a significant role in the early years of the United States, providing soldiers for various conflicts and contributing to the agricultural and economic growth of the region.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Appling County's economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly the production of cotton. The county also became an important transportation hub with the arrival of the Brunswick and Western Railroad in the late 1800s. The railroad facilitated the transport of goods and people, stimulating further growth and development in the area.

Today, Appling County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture and forestry remaining important economic sectors. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including the Altamaha River, which flows through the region and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Despite its small population, Appling County has a rich and diverse history that reflects the cultural heritage of the Deep South.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Appling County, Georgia.

  • 1818 - Appling County is created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly.
  • 1820 - The county is named in honor of Daniel Appling, a US Army officer who fought in the War of 1812.
  • 1822 - The first courthouse is built in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Appling County actively participates in the American Civil War.
  • 1872 - The county seat is moved from Holmesville to Baxley.
  • 1905 - The first newspaper, "The Appling County News", is established.
  • 1960s - Appling County is impacted by the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1990 - The Appling County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2005 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.