US Post Office

a.k.a. Federal Building

215 S. Evans St., Greenville, NC

Local significance of the building:

Economics; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

About National Register Listings

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.

economics architecture post office

North Carolina has a rich African-American history, including the establishment of the first free black community in the United States, known as the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony, during the Civil War.

About Pitt County

Pitt County, located in eastern North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The region was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Tuscarora, who inhabited the area until the 17th century. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, establishing farms and plantations.

In 1760, a man named William Irwin purchased land in the area that would become present-day Greenville, the county seat of Pitt County. The region saw significant growth in the early 19th century, thanks in part to the construction of the Tar River Navigation Company, which allowed for easier transportation of goods and boosted agricultural production.

During the Civil War, Pitt County experienced its fair share of turmoil. Despite being located in a Confederate state, there were pockets of Unionist sentiment in the area. In fact, some Pitt County residents formed a group known as the "Fire Eaters," who actively opposed the secession of North Carolina from the Union.

After the war, Pitt County continued to grow and develop. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region became a center for agriculture, particularly tobacco production and processing. Textile mills also played a significant role in the area's economy, with Greenville becoming a hub for the textile industry in the region.

Today, Pitt County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes healthcare, education, and agriculture. The region's history is celebrated through various cultural and historical landmarks, including the East Carolina Village of Yesteryear, which provides a glimpse into the county's past.

Pitt County Timeline

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

1660: Native American tribes occupy the area that is now Pitt County.
1730s: European settlers begin to establish themselves in the region.
1760: The county is officially formed and named after William Pitt the Elder, the British Prime Minister.
1777: The county courthouse is built in what is now Greenville.
1831: The first newspaper, "The Star," is published in Pitt County.
1865: The Civil War ends, and Pitt County begins the process of reconstruction.
1894: East Carolina Teachers Training School (now East Carolina University) is established in Greenville.
1911: The first hospital, Pitt County Memorial Hospital (now Vidant Medical Center), opens its doors.
1961: East Carolina College becomes East Carolina University.
2003: The city of Greenville becomes the first Gigabit City in North Carolina, offering ultra-high-speed internet access.