U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
W. 4th Ave. and E. 1st St., Rome, GA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 first gold rush in America happened in Georgia in 1828, when gold was discovered in the northwestern part of the state. This discovery led to the creation of the Dahlonega Mint, which produced gold coins until the outbreak of the Civil War.
The county was officially established on December 3, 1832, and was named after General John Floyd, a military officer and politician. The city of Rome, which is the county seat, was founded soon after in 1834. The early economy of Floyd County was primarily fueled by agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county thrived and grew in population, attracting settlers from different parts of the country.
During the Civil War, Floyd County played a significant role as it was a strategic transportation hub with its access to railroads and proximity to the border between the Union and Confederate states. Many battles and skirmishes were fought in the area, and the city of Rome saw considerable destruction. After the war, the county went through a period of reconstruction and recovery.
In the 20th century, Floyd County experienced significant growth and development. The agricultural industry diversified, and other sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, began to thrive. Today, Floyd County is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a mix of urban and rural areas. It is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and a strong sense of community pride.
Floyd County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Floyd County, Georgia.
- 1803 - Floyd County is established as part of the Cherokee Nation's territory.
- 1832 - The Treaty of New Echota forces the Cherokee Nation to cede land to the United States, including Floyd County.
- 1833 - Floyd County is officially formed under the authority of the state of Georgia.
- 1838 - The Trail of Tears ensues as the Cherokee people are forcibly relocated westward. Some Cherokees from Floyd County are affected by this tragic event.
- 1861-1865 - Floyd County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1870s-1900s - The development of the railroad encourages economic growth and industrialization in Floyd County.
- 1917-1918 - Floyd County participates in World War I, with many residents serving in the military.
- 1930s - Great Depression impacts Floyd County, causing economic hardships for its residents.
- 1970s-1990s - Floyd County experiences population growth and urban development.
- 2000s - Floyd County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy, growing communities, and a strong sense of history and culture.