U.S. Post Office
101 N. Folger St., Carrollton, MO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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.
The town of Bonne Terre, Missouri, has the largest underground lake in the United States. The Bonne Terre Mine was once one of the world's largest lead mines, but is now a popular scuba diving destination.
By the mid-19th century, Carroll County had become a bustling hub of activity due to its location on the Missouri River. It was a crucial stop on the route to Santa Fe and California during the California Gold Rush. This led to the growth of towns like Carrollton, the county seat, which was incorporated in 1834. The county also became known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of hemp and tobacco.
Carroll County played an important role during the American Civil War. Located in a border state, the county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Glasgow in 1864 was a significant event, where a Confederate victory resulted in the town being burned to the ground. The aftermath of the war brought a period of reconstruction and rebuilding to the county.
In the 20th century, Carroll County experienced both the highs and lows of economic development. The construction of highways and railroads brought increased commerce and prosperity, but the Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard. Today, Carroll County remains an agricultural center, known for its farmland and rural charm, while also embracing tourism and preserving its historical sites.
Carroll County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carroll County, Missouri.
- Carroll County is formed on January 2, 1833.
- The first county seat is established in a small log cabin near the present-day town of Carrollton in 1833.
- The county seat is moved to a more central location and named DeWitt in 1834.
- DeWitt becomes a major trading post on the Missouri River.
- The town of Carrollton is laid out and becomes the new county seat in 1835.
- Carrollton experiences rapid growth and becomes a center for trade and agriculture.
- Carroll County suffers from border conflict during the American Civil War in the 1860s.
- The county experiences economic development with the construction of railroads in the late 1800s.
- Carroll County sees a decline in population and economic activity in the early 1900s.
- The construction of Mark Twain Dam and Reservoir in the 1960s brings tourism and recreation to the area.
- Today, Carroll County continues to be mainly rural with farming as an important industry.