National Register Listing

US Post Office

a.k.a. Main Post Office

201 W. Cherokee St., Brookhaven, 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 River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
Located in the state of Mississippi, Lincoln County has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. It was established on April 7, 1870, and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Agriculture and timber quickly became the dominant industries, with cotton being the main cash crop. By the mid-1800s, the county had developed a thriving economy, supported by the labor of both enslaved African Americans and white farmers.

During the American Civil War, Lincoln County played a significant role, being located within the Confederate heartland. Several battles and skirmishes took place in the area, as Union forces sought to disrupt the Confederate supply lines. The war had a devastating impact on the county, with many homes and plantations destroyed.

In the years following the Civil War, Lincoln County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy gradually diversified, with the emergence of industries such as lumber, manufacturing, and commerce. Today, Lincoln County continues to embrace its history and heritage, with numerous historical sites and museums offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich past.

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

  • 1817 - Lincoln County is established as one of the original counties in the state of Mississippi.
  • 1819 - The first courthouse and county seat is founded in Holmesville.
  • 1876 - Brookhaven becomes the new county seat, replacing Holmesville.
  • 1894 - The Illinois Central Railroad extends into Lincoln County, boosting economic development.
  • 1906 - The Brookhaven National Guard Armory is constructed.
  • 1927 - The Lincoln County Library is established.
  • 1935 - Camp Beauregard, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, is established near Bogue Chitto.
  • 1941 - The United States enters World War II, and many residents of Lincoln County serve in the armed forces.
  • 1978 - The Mississippi School of the Arts is established in Brookhaven.
  • 2011 - The Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society is founded.