US Post Office-Monroe

a.k.a. Monroe N.C. Post Office

407 N. Main St., Monroe, NC

Local significance of the building:

Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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.

architecture post office

The Wright Brothers, credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane, made their first successful flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903.

About Union County

Union County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Waxhaw. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, with Scotch-Irish and German immigrants establishing farms and communities.

In 1842, Union County was officially formed from parts of Mecklenburg and Anson counties. The county was named after the concept of "union" that prevailed during that time, reflecting the desire for unity and the end of sectional division. The county seat was established in Monroe, which remains the county's largest city and governmental center.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Union County, as many residents served in the Confederate Army. The Battle of Monroe took place in the city in 1865, resulting in the Union Army's victory. After the war, the area faced challenges during the Reconstruction era, but gradually recovered with the growth of agriculture, railroads, and industrialization.

Throughout the 20th century, Union County experienced notable advancements and expansions. The county's agricultural sector diversified, with the introduction of new crops and farming techniques. Education also played a significant role in the county's development, with the establishment of numerous schools and the growth of Wingate University. Today, Union County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, offering a mix of rural charm and modern amenities for its residents and visitors.

Union County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Union County, North Carolina.

1749 - Union County is formed from parts of Anson County and Mecklenburg County.
1762 - Waxhaw Presbyterian Church is founded.
1823 - The county seat is established in Monroe.
1852 - The Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad is completed, connecting Monroe to the rest of the state.
1861-1865 - Union County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
1875 - The first telephone exchange is established in Monroe.
1896 - The first electric streetlights are installed in Monroe.
1911 - The Monroe Cotton Mills opens, becoming one of the largest textile mills in the state.
1930s - Union County experiences significant population growth due to the Great Depression and the demand for cotton.
1958 - Union County's first public library is established.
1984 - The first Heritage Day Festival is held in Monroe.
2000 - Union County's population surpasses 100,000.
2017 - The new Union County Agricultural Center is opened.