National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. U.S. Post Office and Courthouse Building

120 12th St., Columbus, GA
Local significance of the building:
Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  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.

non-aboriginal law courthouses buildings
Georgia played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many key events taking place in the state. The Albany Movement, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery March all had ties to Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Muscogee County, located in west-central Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, who were later forcibly removed by the government in the early 19th century. The county was officially created in 1826, and its name, Muscogee, is derived from the original inhabitants.

During the Civil War, Muscogee County played a significant role as a supply and transportation hub for the Confederate Army. The county had active Confederate camps and helped provide resources and troops to the war effort. However, Muscogee County was not exempt from the hardships and destruction of the war, experiencing economic devastation and loss of life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Muscogee County saw significant economic growth thanks to the textile industry and the arrival of major railroads. Textile mills, such as the Eagle and Phenix Mill, brought jobs and prosperity to the area, attracting a diverse population of workers. The growth of transportation networks allowed for the expansion of trade and commerce, shaping the county's urban development.

Muscogee County has also played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city of Columbus, situated in Muscogee County, was a prominent site of activism and organization. Local citizens, including Dr. Thomas Brewer and the True Colors organization, fought for desegregation and equal rights. Their efforts contributed to significant social and political changes in the county and the wider region of Georgia.

Today, Muscogee County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to educational institutions, including Columbus State University, and hosts events that celebrate its rich history and culture. From its Native American roots to its involvement in pivotal moments of American history, Muscogee County's past has shaped its present-day identity.

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

  • 1802 - Muscogee County is established in Georgia.
  • 1827 - The county seat is established in Columbus.
  • 1838 - Muscogee County experiences the forced removal of Native Americans known as the Trail of Tears.
  • 1861-1865 - Muscogee County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1871 - The first public school in the county is established.
  • 1885 - Columbus becomes the first city in Georgia to install a city-wide electric streetcar system.
  • 1936 - Columbus hosts the Junior League Baseball World Series, the first of many national events held in the city.
  • 1953 - Construction begins on the Jim Woodruff Dam, creating Lake Seminole and offering new recreational opportunities.
  • 1970 - Columbus merges with the county government, forming the consolidated Muscogee County-Columbus government.
  • 1982 - The Chattahoochee Riverwalk opens, transforming the riverfront into a popular area for recreation and entertainment.
  • 1996 - Columbus hosts the 1996 Olympic softball matches at the Columbus Softball Complex.