National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

201 N. Pearl St., Carthage, MS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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.

architecture post office
The Mississippi State Capitol, which is located in Jackson, was completed in 1903 and features a distinctive copper dome that is visible from miles away.
Mississippi random facts
Leake County, located in central Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who thrived on the county's abundant natural resources. The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes to the region.

In the early 1800s, the United States government signed treaties with the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, resulting in the forced removal and resettlement of these indigenous populations. This paved the way for white settlers to claim the land for agricultural purposes. Leake County was officially established in 1833 and named after Walter Leake, the governor of Mississippi at the time.

The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, becoming a hub for the cotton industry. Large plantations were established, and thousands of enslaved Africans were forced to work in the fields. The Civil War had a profound impact on Leake County, like many other parts of the South, as battles and skirmishes were fought here, and many residents served in Confederate armies.

Post-war Reconstruction brought significant social and economic changes to Leake County. Sharecropping became a common practice, enabling many former slaves and poor white farmers to access land and resources. The county also saw the construction of railroads and the emergence of small towns and communities, which further fueled its agricultural and economic development. Despite periods of economic hardship and racial tensions, the county continues to thrive and maintain a strong sense of community today.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Leake County, Mississippi.

  • 1812: Leake County, Mississippi is established.
  • 1820: First land sales occur in the county.
  • 1831: First courthouse and jail are built in Carthage.
  • 1833: Carthage is selected as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Leake County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1875: The Mississippi Central Railroad reaches Carthage, boosting the local economy.
  • 1915: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Carthage.
  • 1943: Construction begins on the Camp McCain Army Training Center in Leake County.
  • 1971: A tornado devastates parts of the county, causing significant damage.
  • 1996: The Pearl River Resort and Casino opens, bringing tourism and economic development to the area.