Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
During the American Revolution, Georgia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, which was a significant victory for the Patriot forces.
During the Revolutionary War, Wilkes County was a key center of the patriot movement. Many notable figures emerged from this area, including Elijah Clarke and Nancy Hart, who fought bravely for American independence. In fact, the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, fought in Wilkes County, was a major turning point in the war and helped secure the region for the patriots.
In the early 19th century, Wilkes County experienced a period of remarkable growth and prosperity. It became a prominent agricultural region, with plantations producing cotton and tobacco. The county's economy thrived, and many grand antebellum homes were built during this time. The thriving plantation culture, however, was ultimately disrupted by the Civil War.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Wilkes County, as it did on the entire state of Georgia. The county was divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The war brought devastation and hardships to the county, and the region struggled to recover in the aftermath.
Today, Wilkes County stands as a testament to its rich history. It is home to several historic sites and landmarks that highlight the area's colonial and antebellum past. The county continues to honor its heritage, and visitors can explore its historical treasures, including the Kettle Creek Battlefield, to gain a deeper understanding of Wilkes County's role in Georgia's history.
Wilkes County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wilkes County, Georgia.
- 1773 - Wilkes County is created as one of the original counties of Georgia.
- 1780 - During the Revolutionary War, British troops occupy Wilkes County.
- 1785 - The city of Washington is established as the county seat of Wilkes County.
- 1799 - The first cotton gin is installed in Wilkes County, revolutionizing the local economy.
- 1803 - Ruffin Attaway establishes the first bank in Wilkes County.
- 1811 - The University of Georgia is founded, with Wilkes County's support.
- 1820 - The population of Wilkes County reaches its peak at around 12,500.
- 1845 - The Georgia State Medical College is established in Washington, Wilkes County.
- 1861-1865 - Wilkes County suffers during the Civil War, with many young men enlisting in the Confederate Army.
- 1895 - The Georgia Railroad extends into Wilkes County, boosting transportation and trade.
- 1930s - Wilkes County experiences economic decline due to the Great Depression.
- 1946 - Richard B. Russell, Jr., a native of Wilkes County, is elected governor of Georgia.
- 1969 - Lake Strom Thurmond is created by damming the Savannah River, providing recreational opportunities for Wilkes County residents.
- 2009 - Wilkes County celebrates its 236th anniversary.