Jennings Post Office

a.k.a. Jeff Davis Parish Library Building

118 W. Plaquemine St., Jennings, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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.

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In 1803, Louisiana was sold by France to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The purchase doubled the size of the United States at the time.
Jefferson Davis Parish is located in southwestern Louisiana, named after the prominent political leader and statesman, Jefferson Davis. The parish was established on March 15, 1912, after being carved out of Calcasieu Parish. However, the area has a rich pre-history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years.

The region was initially colonized by French, Spanish, and English explorers in the 18th century. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 brought this territory under American control, leading to an influx of settlers in the area. By the mid-19th century, the region's economy revolved around agriculture, primarily focusing on cotton and sugar cane production.

During the Civil War, Jefferson Davis Parish played a significant role and was an important center for Confederate activity. It was named in honor of Jefferson Davis, who served as the President of the Confederate States of America. The area served as a crucial transportation hub for the Confederacy, providing access to key supply routes and waterways.

After the war, Jefferson Davis Parish experienced rapid growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The expansion of the timber industry also played a vital role in the economic development of the parish. The discovery of oil and gas reserves further spurred growth and led to the establishment of petrochemical and refining industries in the area.

Today, Jefferson Davis Parish has evolved into a thriving community with a diverse economy. Its rich history, natural resources, and strategic location have contributed to its growth and continued prosperity. The parish is known for its friendly atmosphere, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1912: Jefferson Davis Parish is established on February 12.
  • 1913: The first court session is held in Jennings.
  • 1926: The first oil well is drilled in the parish.
  • 1930: Construction of the Louisiana State Armory in Jennings is completed.
  • 1937: The Jefferson Davis Parish Library is established.
  • 1940: The Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is established.
  • 1953: Memorial Hospital is built in Jennings.
  • 1975: The Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative is formed.
  • 1995: A new courthouse is constructed in Jennings.
  • 2005: Hurricane Rita causes significant damage to the parish.