National Register Listing

United States Post Office

a.k.a. Kings Mountain Historical Museum

100 E. Mountain St., Kings Mountain, NC
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
  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
The state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.
North Carolina random facts
Cleveland County, located in the western part of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee peoples. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the county officially established in 1841.

In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for farming, leading to the growth of successful cotton and tobacco plantations. As the demand for these crops increased, so did the need for labor, resulting in the expansion of enslaved African American populations in the region.

During the American Civil War, Cleveland County experienced significant turmoil as it was situated in the border state of North Carolina. The county was at times occupied by both Union and Confederate forces, leading to destruction and constant insecurity for residents.

After the war, Cleveland County began to develop industries beyond agriculture. Textile mills, powered by the Broad River, emerged as major employers, drawing many workers from the rural areas. The cotton mills, along with the rise of the railroad, brought newfound economic opportunities and spurred the county's growth through the early 20th century.

Today, Cleveland County continues to be a thriving community with a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is known for its dedication to preserving its history, with several museums and historic sites showcasing its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cleveland County, North Carolina.

  • 1762: Cleveland County is formed from portions of Lincoln County.
  • 1774: The Tryon Courthouse is established as the county seat.
  • 1841: The town of Shelby is founded and becomes the new county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Cleveland County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1884: The Carolina and Northwestern Railway is completed, enhancing transportation in the county.
  • 1929: The Great Depression hits Cleveland County, leading to economic struggles for the area.
  • 1941-1945: Many Cleveland County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1951: Cleveland County Technical College opens, later evolving into Cleveland Community College.
  • 1976: The Shelby Historic District is established, preserving the city's historic architecture.
  • 1991: The Earl Scruggs Center, honoring the renowned banjo player, is opened in Shelby.
  • 2019: Cleveland County celebrates its 257th anniversary since its formation.