National Register Listing

US Post Office, Former

a.k.a. Belmont City Hall

115 N. Main St., Belmont, NC
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Art; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
  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 art politics government post office
The pirate Blackbeard (real name: Edward Teach) made his home base in the town of Bath, North Carolina, during the early 1700s.
North Carolina random facts
Gaston County, North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The land where Gaston County is located was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the 1700s, and Gaston County was officially established in 1846.

During the 19th century, Gaston County experienced significant development and growth, largely due to its proximity to natural resources like cotton and the Catawba River. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further bolstered the county's economy, leading to the establishment of textile mills and other industries. This era of industrialization transformed Gaston County into a thriving manufacturing hub.

Gaston County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents joining the Confederate forces. The blockade of southern ports during the war severely impacted the county's textile industry, but it recovered in the post-war years. The economy continued to diversify and expand throughout the 20th century, with the rise of new industries like furniture manufacturing and automotive parts production.

In recent years, Gaston County has focused on revitalizing its downtown areas and supporting economic development. The county continues to attract businesses and residents, with its affordable cost of living, scenic beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities. Today, Gaston County is a vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas, preserving its rich history while embracing progress and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gaston County, North Carolina.

  • 1846 - Gaston County is established as a county in North Carolina.
  • 1861-1865 - Gaston County residents enlist to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1874 - The Gastonia Gazette, the county's first newspaper, is published.
  • 1887 - Gaston County's first textile mill, the Loray Mill, begins operation.
  • 1905 - The city of Gastonia is incorporated.
  • 1929 - Gaston County experiences economic growth with the establishment of more textile mills.
  • 1937 - The Gastonia Strike takes place in response to poor working conditions in the textile industry.
  • 1960s - Integration and civil rights issues impact Gaston County.
  • 1992 - Gaston County's tourism industry expands with the opening of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.