National Register Listing

US Post Office-Sylvester

122 N. Main St., Sylvester, GA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
  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.

art architecture post office
The famous Coca-Cola soft drink was invented in Georgia in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton.
Georgia random facts
Worth County, Georgia has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1853. The county was named after Major General William Jenkins Worth, a hero in the Mexican-American War. Its early development was influenced by Native American tribes like the Creek Indians, who occupied the area before European settlers arrived.

During the Civil War, Worth County experienced significant disruptions as it became a battleground for Union and Confederate forces. The county's economy, which was primarily based on agriculture, suffered greatly due to the conflict. After the war, many residents faced challenges in rebuilding their lives and farms, leading to a period of economic hardship.

In the late 19th century, Worth County began to rebuild and prosper. The introduction of railroads in the area played a crucial role in the county's growth, allowing for the transportation of goods and access to new markets. Cotton became the primary crop, gradually transforming Worth County into a hub for agriculture.

In the 20th century, Worth County witnessed further advancements and growth. The implementation of modern farming techniques and technology helped improve agricultural productivity, leading to increased prosperity within the county. Today, Worth County remains an important agricultural region in Georgia, known for its cotton, peanuts, and pecans. The county also offers a variety of recreational activities and landmarks, attracting visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1803: Worth County is established as the 61st county in Georgia.
  • 1813: The first courthouse is built in Worth County.
  • 1870s: The Albany & Brunswick Railroad is constructed, passing through Worth County.
  • 1890s: Worth County becomes a major producer of pecans.
  • 1910s: The boll weevil devastates the cotton crops in Worth County.
  • 1920s: The construction of Highway 300 improves transportation in Worth County.
  • 1940s-1950s: The introduction of mechanized farming techniques revolutionizes agriculture in Worth County.
  • 1960s: Worth County experiences significant racial integration and civil rights movement.
  • 1990s: Worth County's population grows due to suburbanization from nearby Albany.
  • 2000s: The construction of the Georgia Solar 1 solar power plant brings renewable energy development to Worth County.