US Post Office-Hazlehurst
130 Caldwell Dr., Hazlehurst, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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.
Mississippi was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused extensive damage to the state's Gulf Coast region and led to the displacement of thousands of residents.
During the antebellum period, Copiah County's economy thrived primarily through cotton cultivation and slavery. Large plantations dotted the landscape, and the county became one of the wealthiest in Mississippi. The county seat of Hazlehurst grew in importance, serving as a major hub for trade and commerce. However, the prosperity was built on the exploitation of enslaved people, leading to tensions and, eventually, the Civil War.
The Civil War had a profound impact on Copiah County, as it did throughout the South. Many residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county became a battlefield during Sherman's Meridian Campaign of 1864. The war brought devastation, including widespread destruction of property and loss of life. Reconstruction followed the war, bringing challenges and changes to the county.
In the decades that followed, Copiah County diversified its economy and saw advancements in education and infrastructure. The railroad arrived in the late 1800s, connecting the county to larger markets. The agricultural focus shifted from cotton to a more diversified farming system that included livestock and crops like corn and soybeans. Education also improved, with new schools constructed and the establishment of Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 1915.
Today, Copiah County continues to embrace its history while moving forward. The county is known for its friendly community, southern charm, and natural beauty. Historic landmarks, such as the Hazlehurst Depot and numerous antebellum homes, stand as reminders of the county's past. Copiah County remains an integral part of Mississippi's heritage, preserving its unique culture and contributing to the state's growth.
Copiah County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Copiah County, Mississippi.
- 1815 - Copiah County is established on January 21st, named after a Native American chief.
- 1821 - The county seat is established in Hazlehurst.
- 1850s - The county's economy flourishes due to the success of the cotton industry.
- 1861-1865 - Copiah County participates in the American Civil War; many residents serve in the Confederate Army.
- 1877 - Copiah County suffers from a yellow fever epidemic, resulting in numerous deaths.
- 1944 - The Mississippi Ordnance Plant, a major World War II munitions storage site, is established near Crystal Springs.
- 1964 - The Civil Rights Act leads to desegregation in Copiah County schools.
- 1984 - The Copiah-Lincoln Community College is established, providing higher education opportunities for the residents.
- 1992 - Hurricane Andrew causes significant damage in Copiah County.