U.S. Post Office, Court House, and Custom House
a.k.a. U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
413 Middle St., New Bern, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
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.
North Carolina was the birthplace of both Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, and Ava Gardner, the famous Hollywood actress.
During the American Revolution, Craven County played a significant role as a center for political and military activity. New Bern, the county seat and the second oldest town in North Carolina, served as the state's capital from 1777 to 1789. It was here that the state's first printing press was established, and the first state constitution was ratified. The Battle of New Bern, fought in 1862 during the Civil War, marked a turning point in the Union's control of eastern North Carolina.
In the years following the Civil War, Craven County experienced significant growth and development. The expansion of railroads and the introduction of tobacco and lumber industries brought economic prosperity to the county. However, like much of the South, Craven County faced the challenges of racial segregation and the struggle for civil rights during the Jim Crow era.
Today, Craven County is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty. The county is home to Tryon Palace, a restored historic site that served as the state's first permanent capitol. The Croatan National Forest encompasses a large portion of the county, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a diverse population and a strong sense of community, Craven County continues to thrive as a historic and dynamic part of North Carolina.
Craven County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Craven County, North Carolina.
- 1712: Craven County is established as one of the original precincts of the Province of Carolina.
- 1739: The county seat of New Bern is established as the capital of the Province of North Carolina.
- 1765: A major fire destroys much of New Bern, including the courthouse and many public buildings.
- 1774-1775: A provincial congress meets in New Bern to discuss grievances against British rule.
- 1776: The Declaration of Independence is read publicly for the first time in North Carolina in New Bern.
- 1792: North Carolina becomes a state, and Craven County is incorporated as one of its original counties.
- 1803: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is founded, with land granted by William R. Davie of New Bern, a resident of Craven County.
- 1862: The Battle of New Bern takes place during the American Civil War, resulting in Union control of the city.
- 1882: The North Carolina State Hospital for the Insane (now Cherry Hospital) is established in Goldsboro, which was formerly part of Craven County.
- 1918: Camp Glenn, later renamed Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, is established near Havelock.
- 1942: The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, train at the segregated Tuskegee Army Airfield in Craven County.