National Register Listing

US Post Office, Old-Ripley

301 N. Main St., Ripley, MS
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  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
Mississippi has a rich musical history, particularly in the genres of blues, gospel, and country. Many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters, got their start in Mississippi.
Mississippi random facts
Tippah County, located in northeastern Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Chickasaw people who were the dominant group in the region. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century, but settlement did not occur until much later.

The county's history as an organized settlement began in 1836, when it was officially established as Tippah County. The origin of the county's name is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a Chickasaw word meaning "cut off" or "antelope." The county seat was established in Ripley, which remains the center of government and commerce.

In the 19th century, Tippah County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county experienced growth and prosperity during this time, with the construction of schools and churches to meet the needs of the expanding population. However, the Civil War brought significant changes to the area, as many men from Tippah County enlisted in the Confederate Army and the region was heavily impacted by the war.

After the war, Tippah County began to rebuild its economy, focusing on diversifying its agriculture and developing its infrastructure. The construction of railroads and the expansion of the lumber industry had a positive impact on the county's economy. Over time, Tippah County evolved into a thriving rural community with a mix of small farms, manufacturing, and a growing service sector. Today, Tippah County continues to honor its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tippah County, Mississippi.

  • 1836 - Tippah County is established as a county in the state of Mississippi.
  • 1837 - The town of Ripley is established and becomes the county seat of Tippah County.
  • 1861-1865 - Tippah County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The town of Falkner is incorporated in Tippah County.
  • 1890 - The Ripley Female College is founded in Ripley.
  • 1927 - Major flooding occurs in Tippah County due to the Great Mississippi Flood.
  • 1950-1960 - Tippah County experiences significant population and economic growth.
  • 1984 - The opening of Tippah County Hospital in Ripley.
  • 2008 - Tippah County celebrates its 150th anniversary.