US Post Office (Philadelphia), Old
a.k.a. Philadelphia Police Station
523 Main St., Philadelphia, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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 has a long history of political and social conservatism, and the state has consistently voted for Republican candidates in presidential elections since the 1980s. However, the state also has a strong Democratic Party tradition, particularly among African American voters.
In the early 19th century, Neshoba County was established as part of the Mississippi Territory. The region primarily attracted settlers from neighboring states, particularly Alabama and Georgia. These pioneers were mainly involved in agricultural activities, cultivating cotton and tobacco on the fertile lands. As a result, the county's economy grew, and a small farming community began to thrive.
Like many parts of the South, Neshoba County was heavily impacted by the Civil War in the mid-19th century. The area saw military engagements and suffered from the effects of the conflict, including economic hardships and the loss of lives. After the war, reconstruction efforts took place, and African Americans gained more political representation in the county, leading to a period of progress and development.
However, this progress was abruptly disrupted in the summer of 1964 when Neshoba County gained national infamy due to the tragic events surrounding the murders of three civil rights workers: James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. The county became a symbol of racial tension and injustice during the civil rights movement, highlighting the need for social change and equality.
Today, Neshoba County continues to evolve and is known for its tight-knit community, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. It is home to the annual Neshoba County Fair, one of the oldest and largest country fairs in the United States. The county's history serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs its residents have faced throughout the years, and it remains an important part of Mississippi's heritage.
Neshoba County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Neshoba County, Mississippi.
- 1833: Neshoba County is established on December 23, named after the Choctaw word for "wolf."
- 1863-1865: Neshoba County is affected by the American Civil War.
- 1881: The city of Philadelphia is officially incorporated on February 11.
- 1964: The infamous "Mississippi Burning" murders of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner take place in Neshoba County on June 21.
- 1980: The Neshoba County Fair, one of the oldest and largest county fairs in the United States, celebrates its centennial.
- 2005: Neshoba County experiences the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on August 29.
- 2010: Neshoba County's population reaches 29,676 according to the United States Census.