U.S. Post Office
815 Main St., Columbia, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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.
The state bird of Mississippi is the Northern Mockingbird, and the state flower is the Magnolia.
The county was officially formed in 1811 and named after American Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion. Early industries in Marion County included agriculture, with cotton being a particularly significant crop. The area also became known for its pine forests, which played a crucial role in the timber industry.
During the Civil War, Marion County saw its fair share of conflict. Many local residents served in both the Union and Confederate armies, leading to divisions within the community. The county also experienced raids and skirmishes, with damaged infrastructure and economic hardships left in their wake.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marion County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for transportation and commerce. The logging industry expanded, and sawmills became important pillars of the local economy. Over time, the county also diversified into industries such as tobacco farming, poultry production, and manufacturing.
Today, Marion County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's rich history is celebrated through local museums, historic sites, and annual events. From its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and subsequent economic growth, Marion County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people.
Marion County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marion County, Mississippi.
- 1811 - Marion County is officially established as a county in Mississippi.
- 1812 - The first courthouse in Marion County is built in the town of Columbia, serving as the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Marion County, like the rest of Mississippi, is heavily impacted by the Civil War.
- 1871 - The Baldwin Hotel, a historic landmark in Marion County, is constructed in Columbia.
- 1913 - The Marion County Bank Building is built in Columbia, becoming an important financial institution in the area.
- 1926 - The Marion County Courthouse is constructed, replacing the original courthouse building.
- 1987 - The Marion County Historical Society is formed, focusing on preserving the county's rich history.
- 1997 - The Marion County Military Museum is established, showcasing artifacts and honoring the sacrifices of local veterans.
- 2005 - Marion County is severely affected by Hurricane Katrina, resulting in significant damage and widespread destruction.
- 2010 - The Columbia-Marion County Airport is opened, enhancing transportation options for residents and visitors.