National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office Building

a.k.a. Federal Building;United States Courthouse

908 Alabama Ave., Selma, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
  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.

architecture post office
Alabama was the birthplace of some of the most famous musicians in history, including Hank Williams, Nat King Cole, and W.C. Handy, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues."
Alabama random facts
Dallas County, located in the state of Alabama, has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee nations. The county gets its name from Alexander J. Dallas, who served as the United States Secretary of the treasury during the early 19th century.

In the early 19th century, Dallas County played a significant role in the growth of the cotton industry. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for agriculture, and cotton plantations flourished. The economy was reliant on enslaved labor, and the county had one of the highest concentrations of slaves in the state. This dependency on slavery also made Dallas County a significant battleground during the Civil War.

In the mid-20th century, Dallas County became a key site in the Civil Rights Movement. The city of Selma, located in Dallas County, was the site of several pivotal events, including the Selma to Montgomery marches. These protests, led by activists such as Martin Luther King Jr., aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans and were instrumental in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Currently, Dallas County is home to a diverse population and has faced its fair share of challenges. The county has experienced economic decline and a shrinking population, but there are ongoing efforts to revitalize the area and promote economic growth. With its rich history and resilient community, Dallas County continues to shape Alabama's cultural and historical landscape.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Alabama.

  • 1818 - Dallas County is established as a county in the Alabama Territory.
  • 1830 - Cahaba becomes the county seat of Dallas County.
  • 1865 - Union troops occupy Cahaba during the Civil War.
  • 1868 - Cahaba loses its status as the county seat to Selma.
  • 1870 - The Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, takes place in Dallas County.
  • 1870s - Dallas County experiences a period of political and racial unrest during Reconstruction.
  • 1901 - The Alabama State Constitution is adopted, effectively disenfranchising African Americans in Dallas County.
  • 1965 - The Voting Rights Act is signed into law, leading to significant changes in Dallas County's political landscape.
  • 1971 - The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1980s - Dallas County faces economic decline and population loss.