US Post Office-Magnolia

205 Magnolia St., Magnolia, MS
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
  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.

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The Mississippi State Capitol, which is located in Jackson, was completed in 1903 and features a distinctive copper dome that is visible from miles away.
Located in southwestern Mississippi, Pike County has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who relied on the area's fertile land and abundant natural resources. European colonization began in the late 18th century when French and Spanish explorers arrived, establishing trade routes and settlements.

The county was officially formed on December 9, 1815, and named after Zebulon Pike, an American explorer. In the early years of its establishment, Pike County's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton becoming a dominant crop. Slavery played a significant role in the county's development, with numerous plantations sustaining the local economy.

During the Civil War, Pike County faced its fair share of challenges. The county's strategic location made it a point of interest for both Union and Confederate forces, resulting in battles and skirmishes throughout the area. The destruction caused by the war took a toll on Pike County's economy and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact.

In the years following the Civil War, Pike County experienced a slow recovery, with an increased focus on rebuilding the agricultural industry. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century helped revitalize the county's economy, enabling easier transportation of goods and connecting Pike County to larger markets. Today, Pike County continues to be a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's rich history is celebrated through various festivals, museums, and historical sites, ensuring that the legacy of Pike County is preserved and appreciated by future generations.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pike County, Mississippi.

  • 1815 - Pike County is created by an act of the Mississippi Legislature
  • 1816 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of Pikeville
  • 1856 - The town of Summit is established as the county seat, replacing Pikeville
  • 1861-1865 - Pike County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • Late 1800s - Sawmills and cotton mills become prominent industries in Pike County
  • 1900 - The Pike County Fair is established
  • 1929 - The Great Depression affects Pike County's economy
  • 1930s - Pike County experiences a period of rural electrification
  • 1940s - Pike County residents participate in World War II
  • 1960s - The civil rights movement impacts Pike County, leading to desegregation
  • 1992 - Hurricane Andrew causes significant damage to Pike County
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina affects Pike County, causing power outages and infrastructure damage
  • Present - Pike County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial hub in Mississippi