U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Federal Building & Courthouse
600 Broad St., Gadsden, AL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
Alabama is home to the largest cast iron statue in the world. The Vulcan statue, located in Birmingham, stands 56 feet tall and weighs over 100,000 pounds. It was built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair and was later brought to Birmingham as a symbol of the city's industrial might.
The arrival of European settlers in the 18th century marked a significant turning point for Etowah County. In the early 1800s, Fort Armstrong was established in what is now Gadsden, Alabama, providing protection and security for settlers moving into the area. It wasn't until 1866, following the end of the Civil War, that Etowah County was officially created.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were defined by industrial development and growth in the county. The construction of railroads, such as the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad, played a crucial role in connecting Etowah County to other areas and facilitating economic progress. The discovery of iron ore deposits in the county led to the establishment of the Alabama City Iron Works, which became one of the largest companies in the region. The city of Gadsden also experienced rapid expansion and urbanization during this period, becoming a hub for manufacturing and trade.
Throughout its history, Etowah County has faced challenges and undergone various transformations. The county has witnessed significant growth, economic development, and cultural changes. Today, Etowah County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that celebrates its cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.
Etowah County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Etowah County, Alabama.
- 1818 - Etowah County is established as the 56th county in the state of Alabama.
- 1821 - The town of Gadsden is founded as the county seat.
- 1841 - Cherokee Indian Removal takes place, resulting in the forced displacement of Native American tribes from the area.
- 1861-1865 - Etowah County contributes soldiers to the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- 1867 - Etowah County's first courthouse is built.
- 1870 - The railroad arrives in Gadsden, boosting economic growth and industrial development.
- 1920s - Gadsden becomes a center for the textile industry, with several mills being established.
- 1933 - Construction of Noccalula Falls Park begins, a scenic attraction that still draws visitors today.
- 1973 - Etowah County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1999 - Downtown Gadsden undergoes revitalization efforts to attract businesses and tourists.