National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. United States Courthouse

9th St. and 5th Ave., Huntington, WV
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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.

law courthouses buildings
The first African American to serve as a member of the United States Senate was Hiram Rhodes Revels, who was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia, in 1827.
West Virginia random facts
Cabell County, located in the western part of West Virginia, has a rich and varied history dating back to its establishment in 1809. Named after William H. Cabell, the Governor of Virginia at the time, the county was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the early 19th century, Cabell County witnessed a surge in industrial development, primarily due to the construction of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. This turnpike, connecting the Ohio River with the eastern part of Virginia, allowed for the transportation of goods and resources, leading to increased settlement and economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Cabell County played a significant role, with its strategic location making it a sought-after territory for both Union and Confederate forces. The county experienced several battles and skirmishes, causing immense destruction and loss of life. The town of Guyandotte, located in Cabell County, was even burned by Confederate forces in 1861.

Throughout the 20th century, Cabell County continued to evolve and thrive. The county saw advancements in infrastructure and transportation, including the construction of interstates and highways. Education also became a focus, with the establishment of Marshall University in 1837, which has since become an integral part of the county's identity. Today, Cabell County remains a vibrant community with a blend of urban and rural areas, offering a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cabell County, West Virginia.

  • 1809: Cabell County was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1823: The county seat was established in Barboursville.
  • 1861-1865: Cabell County was involved in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was completed through the county.
  • 1887: Huntington was incorporated as a city within Cabell County.
  • 1896: Marshall College (now Marshall University) was founded in Huntington.
  • 1970: The Marshall University football team suffered a devastating plane crash, killing 75 people.
  • 2008: The Huntington city limits expanded to include previously unincorporated areas of the county.