National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

a.k.a. Old Carrollton Post Office

402 Newnan St., Carrollton, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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 communications post office
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
Georgia was the site of the first American gold rush, but it was also the site of the first American oil rush. In 1905, oil was discovered in Bibb County, and the state's oil industry began to grow rapidly.
Georgia random facts
Carroll County, located in western Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to before the Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee peoples. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1826 and named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. During the antebellum period, Carroll County thrived as a major center for cotton production. Large plantations dotted the landscape, employing enslaved African Americans to work the fields. This reliance on slave labor led to increasing tensions between pro- and anti-slavery factions, ultimately foreshadowing the coming conflict of the Civil War.

Carroll County played a significant role in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place throughout the area. The county was highly contested by Confederate and Union forces due to its strategic location and important railroads. The Battle of Villa Rica, fought in July 1864, marked a key turning point as Union troops successfully defended against Confederate attacks, effectively securing the area for the Union.

After the war, Carroll County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The economy was devastated, and many families struggled to rebuild their lives. However, the county slowly recovered, and by the early 20th century, agriculture and manufacturing became the driving forces of the local economy. Today, Carroll County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy, rich history, and a commitment to preserving its heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carroll County, Georgia.

  • 1826: Carroll County is established on June 9th.
  • 1830: The city of Carrollton is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1831: The first courthouse is built in Carrollton.
  • 1843: The city of Carrollton becomes the seat of the newly formed University of West Georgia.
  • 1861: Carroll County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1908: A new courthouse is built in Carrollton.
  • 1912: The county's first public high school, Central High School, is founded.
  • 1931: The Tallapoosa River floods, causing significant damage to Carroll County.
  • 1969: The University of West Georgia is established as a four-year institution.
  • 1983: The Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum opens in Carrollton.