U.S. Post Office and Customhouse
a.k.a. Customs House
1000 E. Main St., Richmond (Independent City), VA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
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.
During World War II, Virginia was the site of several major military installations, including the Norfolk Naval Base, the largest naval base in the world.
During the colonial period, Richmond County played a significant role in the tobacco economy that fueled Virginia's growth. Large plantations emerged, with enslaved Africans being brought to the area to work the labor-intensive crops. The county's location along the Rappahannock River also made it an important shipping and trading hub, connecting the region to international markets.
As the American Revolution unfolded, Richmond County residents were divided in their loyalties. Some supported the Patriot cause and joined the Continental Army, while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The county saw several skirmishes and military actions during the war, including the Battle of Totopotomoy Creek in 1781.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Richmond County experienced significant changes. The decline of the tobacco economy and the gradual abolition of slavery led to a shift towards other agricultural products. Manufacturing and industry also began to play a role in the county's economy. The Civil War and Reconstruction era brought further challenges, and Richmond County, like much of the South, experienced economic hardships and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, the resilient community of Richmond County continued to evolve and adapt, shaping the vibrant and diverse region that exists today.
Richmond County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Richmond County, Virginia.
- 1608 - Captain John Smith explores the area and encounters Native American tribes.
- 1682 - Richmond County is established as part of the new English colony of Virginia.
- 1692 - The county seat is established in what is now Warsaw.
- 1705 - The colonial government designates Richmond County as one of the original eight shires in Virginia.
- 1742 - Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, is completed in Westmoreland County, which was a part of Richmond County at the time.
- 1763 - Richmond County is divided, with a section becoming a separate county called Westmoreland.
- 1830 - The Richmond County Courthouse, now a historic landmark, is built in Warsaw.
- 1861-1865 - Richmond County, like much of Virginia, is deeply impacted by the American Civil War as it serves as a major battleground.
- 1875 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway begins passenger and freight service in Richmond County.
- 1929 - The Robert O. Norris Bridge is completed, connecting Richmond County to neighboring Lancaster County.
- 1988 - Stratford Hall is designated a National Historic Landmark.