National Register Listing

U.S. Courthouse and Post Office

a.k.a. Old Federal Building

201 W. Commerce St., Aberdeen, MS
Local significance of the building:
Law; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
  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.

law politics government architecture courthouses buildings
The famous blues guitarist Robert Johnson, who is often cited as a major influence on rock and roll, was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.
Mississippi random facts
Monroe County, Mississippi has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Chickasaw and Choctaw peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their survival. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the region in the late 16th century, marking the beginning of European influence in the area.

In the early 19th century, white settlers began to establish communities in what is now Monroe County. It was officially formed in February 1836 and was named in honor of President James Monroe. The county's economy was initially built on agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary crop. Large plantations were established, relying heavily on slave labor.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Monroe County, as it did on much of the South. The area witnessed several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Amory in 1864. The war left a lasting impact on the county, leading to a decline in agricultural production and economic hardship.

In the post-war period, Monroe County gradually transitioned to a more diversified economy. Manufacturing and industry began to emerge, and the county experienced growth in the early 20th century. Today, Monroe County is a thriving community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, while also preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Monroe County, Mississippi.

  • 1821: Monroe County established and named after President James Monroe
  • 1836: Multiple Native American tribes forcibly removed from the area in the aftermath of the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek
  • 1850s: Agriculture-based economy thrives with cotton as the primary crop and slave labor employed
  • 1861-1865: Monroe County heavily impacted by the American Civil War, with battles fought in surrounding areas
  • 1870s: Reconstruction period brings political and social changes to the county
  • Early 1900s: The county experiences growth in industries such as lumber, textiles, and agriculture
  • 1930s: Great Depression cripples the local economy; many residents struggle to find work
  • Late 1900s: Technological advancements lead to changes in the agriculture industry
  • 2000s: Monroe County gradually shifts from agriculture-based economy to a more diverse economy, including manufacturing and healthcare sectors