National Register Listing

US Post Office

105--111 Martin St., Wadesboro, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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.

post office
The state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.
North Carolina random facts
Anson County, located in North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back to before the American Revolution. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cheraw tribes, who lived off the land and traded with European settlers. In the 1700s, English, Scottish, and German settlers began moving into the area and establishing farms and plantations.

During the American Revolution, Anson County played an important role as a center for patriot activity. Local leaders, such as Samuel Spencer and Thomas Wade, were instrumental in organizing resistance against British rule. Anson County also provided soldiers for the Continental Army, with the local militia fighting in several key battles.

In the antebellum period, Anson County's economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco. The county had a significant population of enslaved African Americans, who worked on the large plantations. The Civil War had a significant impact on Anson County, as it faced economic hardships and saw many of its young men enlist in the Confederate Army.

In the post-war era, Anson County experienced various economic shifts. The decline of agriculture led to a shift towards industry, with textile mills and manufacturing plants becoming prominent. The county also saw significant racial tensions and struggles for civil rights during the 20th century, with several notable protests and leaders emerging. Today, Anson County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and a growing tourism sector.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Anson County, North Carolina.

  • 1663 - Anson County originally part of the area known as Albemarle County
  • 1749 - Anson County officially established as a county in the Province of North Carolina
  • 1757 - Anson County divided to create a new county called Mecklenburg
  • 1779 - Anson County divided again to create a new county called Montgomery
  • 1798 - Anson County's boundaries redefined
  • 1830s - Construction of plank roads in Anson County to improve transportation
  • 1873 - Railroads reach Anson County, boosting the area's economy
  • 1900s - Anson County becomes an important center for cotton production and textile mills
  • 1970s - Anson County experiences economic decline and loss of textile jobs