Guntersville Post Office Building
a.k.a. U.S. Post Office, Guntersville, Alabama
520 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
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.
The city of Mobile, Alabama is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. The first Mardi Gras parade in Mobile took place in 1703, just one year after the city was founded by the French.
The county was officially established on January 9, 1836, and was named in honor of John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States at the time. In the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with cotton being the dominant crop. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century spurred economic growth and brought new industries to the area, including lumber mills and cotton factories.
During the Civil War, Marshall County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county saw numerous skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Guntersville in 1862. After the war, the county began to rebuild its economy, with an emphasis on diversification. The county's proximity to Birmingham and Huntsville allowed for the growth of manufacturing and technology industries in the 20th century.
In recent years, Marshall County has experienced significant growth and development. The county's population has steadily increased, and new businesses and industries have been attracted to the area. Marshall County is now known for its manufacturing sector, with industries such as automotive, aerospace, and food processing contributing to its economic well-being. The county also offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including Lake Guntersville, Alabama's largest lake, which attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts from across the region.
Marshall County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marshall County, Alabama.
- 1805: Marshall County was established on January 9, 1805.
- 1836: The town of Guntersville was incorporated on December 13, 1836.
- 1844: Marshall County served as a stopping point for the Cherokee Removal, also known as the Trail of Tears.
- 1846: Albertville, originally named "Spring," was established on February 18, 1846.
- 1861: Alabama seceded from the Union and Marshall County played a significant role in the Civil War.
- 1874: The first courthouse in Guntersville was built in 1874.
- 1917: WWI had an impact on the county, with many residents serving in the military.
- 1925: A devastating tornado struck Albertville on April 24, 1925, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
- 1969: The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) built the Guntersville Dam, creating Lake Guntersville.
- 1987: The town of Douglas was incorporated on May 12, 1987.
- 2008: Marshall County experienced severe tornado damage on November 15, 2008.