Perry Post Office, Old
a.k.a. Perry Post Office
201 E. Green St., Perry, FL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
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.
Florida is home to some of the world's most famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These parks attract millions of visitors from around the world each year and are a major part of Florida's economy.
The first permanent European settlement in what is now Taylor County was founded in the early 19th century by American pioneers. The county was named after General Zachary Taylor, who later became the 12th President of the United States. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of large salt deposits helped Taylor County grow and prosper. Salt production became a major industry, attracting settlers and creating a demand for new infrastructure.
The timber industry played a significant role in the county's development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Taylor County boasted vast expanses of pine forests, attracting lumber companies that established sawmills and logging operations. The timber industry brought economic growth and employment opportunities to the area, as well as significant environmental changes due to deforestation.
Today, Taylor County is primarily known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is home to the extensive Big Bend coastline, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and beachcombing opportunities. It also hosts multiple wildlife management areas and state parks, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Taylor County continues to honor its history while looking toward a future focused on sustainable development and preserving its natural resources.
Taylor County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Florida.
- 1825 – Taylor County is created as an original county of the Florida Territory.
- 1839 – The county seat is established in Perry.
- 1860s – Taylor County experiences significant growth due to the timber and turpentine industries.
- 1887 – The Florida Railway and Navigation Company reaches Perry, boosting economic development.
- 1890 – Perry becomes the hub for phosphate mining activities in Florida.
- 1915 – The Buckeye Cellulose Corporation establishes a paper mill in Perry, leading to increased industrialization.
- 1920s – Taylor County becomes an important center for the naval stores industry.
- 1950s – The establishment of the Perry Air Force Base brings further economic prosperity to the county.
- 1971 – The Perry Air Force Base is deactivated, impacting the local economy.
- Late 20th century – Taylor County focuses on diversifying its economy with the growth of tourism and agriculture.