National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

306 Summit St., Winona, MS
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
  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.

politics government architecture post office
The Mississippi Delta region, which is located in the northwest part of the state, is known for its rich soil and has been an important agricultural area for centuries.
Mississippi random facts
Montgomery County, MS has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Choctaw Native Americans until the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed in 1830, which led to the forced removal of the Choctaw from their lands. Shortly after, European settlers began to move into the area, primarily farmers who were drawn to the fertile land.

In 1871, Montgomery County was officially established and named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general. It quickly became an important agricultural hub, known for its cotton and timber industries. The county was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, with several local residents playing key roles in fighting for equal rights and desegregation.

During the mid-20th century, Montgomery County faced the challenges associated with rural depopulation and economic decline. The decline in agriculture led to a decrease in population as younger generations moved to urban areas in search of better opportunities. However, the county has made efforts to diversify its economy by attracting manufacturing and service industries in recent years.

Today, Montgomery County continues to honor its history and heritage through various community events and preservation efforts. The county is home to several historical sites, including the Old Winona Cemetery and the Montgomery County Courthouse. Despite its past struggles, Montgomery County remains a resilient community that embraces its roots while striving for a prosperous future.

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

  • 1811 - Montgomery County is established and named after General Richard Montgomery.
  • 1833 - The first courthouse in Montgomery County is built in the town of Montgomeryville.
  • 1849 - The county seat is moved to the town of Middleton.
  • 1871 - The county seat is moved again, this time to the town of Winona.
  • 1874 - The first railroad is built in Montgomery County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1930s - Cotton becomes the dominant crop in the county, leading to increased prosperity.
  • 1943 - Camp McCain, a prisoner of war facility, is established during World War II.
  • 1960s - Montgomery County becomes a center for civil rights activism.
  • 1990s - The county experiences population decline and economic challenges.