National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and County Courthouse

227 S. Center St., Statesville, NC
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
  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 state's largest city, Charlotte, was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
North Carolina random facts
Iredell County, located in the heart of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The county was named after James Iredell, a prominent jurist and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Catawba and Cherokee, European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-1700s.

The county's first permanent settlement was established in 1753 at what is now known as Statesville. Attracted by the fertile land and access to trade routes, more settlers soon followed, leading to the County's formal establishment in 1788. Iredell County played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War as it became a key transportation hub and supply center for troops.

In the 19th century, Iredell County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The railroad, which reached the county in the mid-1850s, brought new economic opportunities and helped connect the area to larger markets. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the region's primary industry, with numerous plantations dotting the landscape.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iredell County had transitioned into a more industrialized economy. Textile mills emerged as the dominant industry, attracting workers from rural areas and contributing to the county's population growth. The textile industry thrived until the mid-20th century when it began to decline due to changing economic circumstances.

Today, Iredell County is a dynamic community known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. It continues to grow and diversify, attracting new businesses and residents while preserving its rich history. The county's historical sites, including the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site and downtown Statesville's historic district, serve as reminders of the area's vibrant past and are popular attractions for visitors and locals alike.

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

  • 1788 - The area that is now Iredell County is first settled by European pioneers.
  • 1789 - Iredell County is formed from part of Rowan County, with Statesville established as its county seat.
  • 1792 - Davie County is formed from parts of Rowan and Iredell Counties.
  • 1800 - Alexander County is created from parts of Iredell County.
  • 1813 - Catawba County is established, taking portions of Lincoln and Iredell Counties.
  • 1822 - The town of Mooresville is incorporated in Iredell County.
  • 1849 - Iredell County's Courthouse is burned down by a fire.
  • 1850 - The town of Troutman is founded in Iredell County.
  • 1865 - The American Civil War ends, and Iredell County begins to rebuild.
  • 1875 - Mitchell Community College is established in Statesville, providing educational opportunities.
  • 1891 - Lake Norman is formed after the completion of the Cowans Ford Dam.
  • 1927 - Interstate Highway 77 opens, improving transportation access to Iredell County.
  • 1939 - Fort Dobbs State Historic Site is opened to commemorate the French and Indian War.
  • 1990 - The population of Iredell County surpasses 100,000 residents.
  • 2004 - The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Mooresville opens, attracting visitors and boosting tourism.
  • 2016 - The Iredell-Statesville School District celebrates its 125th anniversary.