National Register Listing

US Post Office-Murray

a.k.a. Murray Post Office

Maple and S. Fourth St., Murray, KY
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  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.

post office
The first successful gold rush in the United States occurred in 1806 in Kentucky. The gold was found in the sand and gravel of the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Kentucky random facts
Calloway County, KY, located in western Kentucky, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by European settlers in the late 18th century, attracted by its fertile land and natural resources. The land that is now Calloway County was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee.

In 1822, Calloway County was officially established and named after Colonel Richard Callaway, a prominent pioneer from Virginia. The county quickly grew and flourished, with agriculture playing a vital role in its economy. The fertile soil supported large-scale farming, mainly focused on tobacco, corn, and later, wheat.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Calloway County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased connectivity and trade opportunities, contributing to the county's economic progress. The establishment of Murray State University in 1922 also played a crucial role in the county's development, attracting students, academics, and a range of cultural and sporting events.

Calloway County has a diverse and vibrant community, with a strong emphasis on education and agriculture. Today, it remains an important agricultural center, known for its production of tobacco, corn, soybeans, and livestock. The county continues to embrace its history while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the modern era, ensuring a promising future for its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Calloway County, Kentucky.

  • 1822: Calloway County, KY, is established by the Kentucky General Assembly.
  • 1823: The county is named in honor of Colonel Richard Callaway, a prominent early settler.
  • 1842: Murray, the county seat, is established and becomes a hub of economic activity.
  • 1859: The completion of the Memphis, Clarksville and Louisville Railroad enhances transportation in the county.
  • 1861-1865: Calloway County is affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1870s: Agriculture flourishes in the county, with tobacco and corn being major crops.
  • 1892: The Murray State Normal School, precursor to Murray State University, is established.
  • 1937: Kentucky Dam is completed, creating Kentucky Lake and further developing the tourism industry.
  • 1942-1945: Calloway County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1968: Murray State University achieves university status.
  • 2000s: Calloway County experiences population growth and economic diversification.