U.S. Post Office
524 Main St., Columbus, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 is home to several historically black colleges and universities, including Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Valley State University.
During the antebellum period, Lowndes County was primarily agricultural, with cotton as the main crop. The population of enslaved people grew significantly, and their labor was integral to the economic prosperity of the county. The county also played a role in the Civil War, with many men from Lowndes serving in the Confederate Army. The aftermath of the war brought major challenges to the area, including widespread poverty and social unrest.
Throughout the 20th century, Lowndes County experienced significant changes. The economy shifted away from agriculture towards manufacturing and industry. In the mid-20th century, the Civil Rights Movement brought attention to the county, as it was a key site of activism and resistance. Lowndes County was known as the "Bloody Lowndes" due to its history of racial violence and discrimination. The formation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, which later inspired the Black Panther Party, was a significant development during this time.
In recent decades, Lowndes County has faced economic challenges, although efforts have been made to revitalize the area and promote tourism. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Columbus Historic District and the Waverley Mansion, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and cultural heritage. Today, Lowndes County continues to evolve, embracing its past while striving for a better future.
Lowndes County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lowndes County, Mississippi.
- 1830: Lowndes County is established as a county of the state of Mississippi.
- 1832: The first courthouse is built in Columbus, the county seat of Lowndes County.
- 1847: Construction of the Waverley Mansion begins. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
- 1861: Mississippi secedes from the Union, and Lowndes County becomes part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1872: The county suffers from a devastating tornado that causes significant damage to the area.
- 1900: The Columbus and Greenville Railway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
- 1950s: Lowndes County experiences rapid growth in its manufacturing industry, including the arrival of the Columbus Air Force Base.
- 1965: Civil rights activism increases in the county, with the Freedom Summer and the formation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization.
- 1980s: The Golden Triangle Industrial Park is established, promoting economic development in the area.
- 2000s: The county continues to grow, with improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.