National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

104 Heber Ladner Dr., Lumberton, MS
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
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.
Mississippi random facts
Lamar County, Mississippi has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. European settlement began around the early 1800s, with the influx of settlers drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1904, Lamar County was established as Mississippi's 62nd county, named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a prominent politician and statesman. It was carved out of parts of neighboring Marion and Pearl River counties. The county seat was established in Purvis, a town that had been incorporated a few years earlier in 1888.

Throughout its history, Lamar County has primarily been an agricultural region. Cotton became the dominant crop in the late 19th century, followed by the rise of timber and lumber industries in the early 20th century. The county's economy relied heavily on these industries, and their success led to significant population growth and economic development.

In more recent years, Lamar County has experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The county has seen significant residential and commercial development, particularly in the towns of Hattiesburg and Purvis. These developments have brought new opportunities and challenges, as the county balances its agricultural heritage with the demands of a modern, growing community.

Overall, Lamar County's history is characterized by its agricultural roots, economic growth, and evolving identity as a vibrant county in Mississippi. With a blend of small-town charm and progressive development, the county continues to shape its future while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lamar County, Mississippi.

  • 1904 - Lamar County is established on February 19, 1904, and named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, who was a Mississippi politician.
  • 1906 - Purvis becomes the county seat after winning an election over Lumberton.
  • 1921 - The Mississippi Methodist Hospital, later named the Methodist Hospital of Hattiesburg, is established in Hattiesburg.
  • 1924 - The University of Southern Mississippi is founded in Hattiesburg as Mississippi Normal College.
  • 1934 - Camp Shelby, a military training base, is established near Hattiesburg during World War II.
  • 1952 - The William Carey University is chartered in Hattiesburg.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina strikes the Gulf Coast, causing significant damage to Lamar County and the surrounding areas.