US Post Office-Lumberton
a.k.a. Lumberton N.C. Post Office
606 N. Elm St., Lumberton, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
North Carolina was the site of the first successful powered flight of a helicopter, which occurred in Asheville in 1924.
During the American Revolution, Robeson County witnessed significant involvement and played a crucial role in the war effort. Many local residents joined the Patriot cause, participating in battles such as the Battle of Elizabethtown and the Battle of Hayes Pond. The county also suffered from clashes between Loyalists and Patriots, leading to a fractured society during this period.
In the 19th century, Robeson County experienced significant economic growth due to the rise of the lumber industry, which became a major source of employment and wealth in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted economic development, leading to the establishment of towns such as Lumberton, the county seat, and Maxton.
Robeson County's history is also marked by its unique racial dynamics. Given its diverse population, the county faced challenges related to segregation and racial tension. The Lumbee people, who have a mix of Native American, African, and European ancestry, have been a dominant force in the county's culture and politics, advocating for their rights and recognition.
In summary, Robeson County's history is characterized by its involvement in the American Revolution, the growth of the lumber industry, the impact of the railroad, and the complex racial dynamics. Today, the county continues to evolve, reflecting its rich heritage while striving for progress and inclusivity.
Robeson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Robeson County, North Carolina.
- 1787: Robeson County was created from part of Bladen County.
- 1788: The county was officially established and named in honor of Col. Thomas Robeson, a Revolutionary War hero.
- 1791: The first courthouse was built in the county seat of Lumberton.
- 1838: The cotton industry began to flourish in the county.
- 1865: The Civil War ended, and Robeson County experienced significant economic struggles during Reconstruction.
- 1872: Railroads were introduced, improving transportation and stimulating economic growth.
- 1887: The Pembroke State Normal School (now the University of North Carolina at Pembroke) was established as the first state-supported Native American college in the United States.
- 1911: Lumbee Indians, the largest Native American tribe in North Carolina, were officially recognized by the state.
- 1914: The first paved road was completed in the county.
- 1935: The federal government established the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in Robeson County.
- 1958: The Board of Education implemented full desegregation of schools in Robeson County.
- 1997: Hurricane Floyd caused extensive flooding and devastation in the county.