National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Court House

a.k.a. Frank M. Scarlett Federal Building;United States Post Office; United States Courthouse

805 Gloucester, Brunswick, 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.
The state of Georgia has produced many notable musicians, including Ray Charles, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band.
Georgia random facts
Glynn County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Georgia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Timucua and Creek Indians. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers sailing along the Georgia coast. In the late 18th century, the area was settled by English colonists, ultimately leading to the establishment of Glynn County in 1777.

During the colonial era, Glynn County played a significant role in the development of the Georgia colony. The county was one of the original eight counties created when Georgia became a state in 1777. The region prospered in the 19th century with the growth of the cotton industry, which relied heavily on enslaved labor. Glynn County was a major producer of sea island cotton, known for its high quality. Plantations were established along the Altamaha River, and the county became a center of agriculture and trade.

In the 20th century, Glynn County experienced economic growth with the development of the timber and shipping industries. Brunswick, the county seat, became a major port city and a hub for shipbuilding. The county also became a popular destination for tourists, attracted by its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and natural beauty. Jekyll Island, one of the barrier islands in Glynn County, became a winter retreat for wealthy industrialists such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts.

Today, Glynn County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is known for its rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks such as the Old City Hall in Brunswick and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. It continues to be a popular tourist destination, offering visitors activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring the area's stunning natural landscapes. Glynn County's history and natural beauty make it a unique and captivating place to explore.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Glynn County, Georgia.

  • 1736 - James Oglethorpe establishes the colony of Georgia, including what is now Glynn County
  • 1777 - Glynn County is officially created as a county in Georgia
  • 1804 - Brunswick is established as the county seat of Glynn County
  • 1812 - Fort Frederica National Monument is established to preserve the remains of the colonial fort
  • 1839 - The first lighthouse on St. Simons Island, the St. Simons Light, is constructed
  • 1864 - The Battle of Bloody Marsh takes place during the Civil War
  • 1870 - The first railroad reaches Brunswick, boosting the local economy and trade
  • 1958 - The Sidney Lanier Bridge is completed, becoming a landmark in Glynn County
  • 1994 - The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is restored and becomes a popular tourist destination
  • 2016 - Hurricane Matthew causes significant damage to Glynn County