National Register Listing

US Post Office, Old

515 Fillmore St., Corinth, MS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
  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 post office
Mississippi is also known for its literary history. Several Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams, hailed from the state.
Mississippi random facts
Alcorn County, located in the northeastern part of Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, who lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. The county's name honors James Alcorn, a prominent Mississippi politician in the 19th century.

In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Alcorn County was officially established on April 15, 1870, during the Reconstruction era. Corinth, now the county seat, became a major economic and transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.

During the Civil War, Alcorn County played a significant role as it was a key battleground during the Battle of Corinth in 1862. This battle, which resulted in Union victory, brought devastating destruction to the area and marked a turning point in the war. Following the war, the county slowly recovered and experienced growth as the railroad industry expanded and brought new opportunities for trade and commerce.

Throughout the 20th century, Alcorn County continued to develop. The county's agricultural sector thrived, with cotton and corn as major crops in the early years. Over time, manufacturing industries emerged, including furniture production and textile mills, contributing to the region's economic stability. Today, Alcorn County remains a vibrant community, preserving its history while also embracing modern advancements in technology, education, and healthcare.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alcorn County, Mississippi.

  • 1817: Alcorn County was founded and named after James L. Alcorn, a governor of Mississippi.
  • 1836: Mississippian Indians were removed from the area via the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek.
  • 1870: Corinth was designated as the county seat.
  • 1862: The Battle of Corinth took place during the American Civil War.
  • 1920s: The county experienced an economic boom due to the rise of the railroad industry.
  • 1944: The Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the nearby Tennessee River, creating Pickwick Lake.
  • 1990: Corinth National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2009: The Northeast Mississippi Community College opened a branch campus in Corinth.