Historical Marker

Barnesville Post Office

Historical marker location:
138 Forsyth Street, Barnesville, Georgia
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Forsyth Street and College Drive, on the left when traveling east.)

National Register of Historic Places

  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.

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
Lamar County, Georgia, is located in the central part of the state. Named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a prominent politician from Georgia, the county was established on August 17, 1920. However, the area had been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee, for centuries before European settlers arrived.

The first European settlers in the area were primarily farmers who established small communities along the banks of the Towaliga River. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy in the 19th century. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, Lamar County experienced a period of growth and prosperity.

During the Civil War, Lamar County, like many other parts of Georgia, was deeply affected. Many young men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area witnessed battles and skirmishes. The aftermath of the war brought significant challenges, including the economic impact of emancipation and the struggle to rebuild the county's economy.

In the 20th century, Lamar County continued to be an agricultural center, but the decline of cotton as a primary crop and the mechanization of agriculture brought changes. The county shifted towards poultry farming and the timber industry. Today, Lamar County is a mix of small towns and rural areas, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a haven for those seeking a peaceful country lifestyle.

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

  • 1821: Lamar County is created and named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a Supreme Court justice from Georgia.
  • 1828: The county seat is established in the town of Barnesville.
  • 1840s: The construction of railways, including the Monroe Railroad and the Macon and Western Railroad, boost the county's economy.
  • 1861-1865: Lamar County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • Early 1900s: The county experiences growth in agriculture and cotton production.
  • 1925: A devastating tornado strikes Barnesville, causing significant damage.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression affects the county, leading to economic challenges.
  • 1950s-1960s: Integration of schools and the civil rights movement impact the county.
  • 2000s: Lamar County sees ongoing growth and development in various sectors.