National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Court House

115 E. Hancock St., Athens, GA
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
In 1958, Georgia became the first state to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, although this was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Georgia random facts
Clarke County, GA, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee tribes, who utilized the fertile land for agriculture.

In 1801, the Georgia General Assembly designated Clarke County as one of the initial counties in the state. The county was named after Elijah Clarke, a war hero from the American Revolution. As settlers moved into the area, Clarke County became an essential center of trade and agriculture, known for its cotton production and prosperous plantations.

During the Civil War, the county experienced significant challenges and upheavals. With the end of slavery, many African Americans embraced new opportunities and established their own businesses and institutions in the county. This period also saw the establishment of the University of Georgia in 1785, making Athens, the county seat, a prominent center for education and intellectual growth.

In the 20th century, Clarke County witnessed a period of growth and transformation. The University of Georgia continued to expand, becoming a major economic and cultural force in the region. The civil rights movement also had a significant impact on the county, with protests and demonstrations taking place in Athens. These efforts led to important changes in civil rights legislation and a more inclusive society.

Today, Clarke County is a vibrant community that showcases its rich history while embracing progress and innovation. With a diverse population and a thriving arts and music scene, the county continues to be a hub of cultural activity in Georgia.

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

  • 1785 - Clarke County, GA is established as one of the original counties of Georgia.
  • 1801 - The University of Georgia is founded in Athens, the county seat of Clarke County.
  • 1875 - The county courthouse, known as the Clarke County Courthouse, is constructed.
  • 1937 - The WPA-built Georgia State Botanical Garden opens in Athens, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
  • 1961 - The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is formed, combining the city of Athens and Clarke County.
  • 1996 - The Stegeman Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena located on the University of Georgia campus, undergoes a major renovation.