Cana Store and Post Office
NC 1411, 0.2 mi. N of NC 1406, Mocksville, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
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 has a rich African-American history, including the establishment of the first free black community in the United States, known as the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony, during the Civil War.
The county was officially established in 1836 and named after William R. Davie, a Revolutionary War hero and the founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in Davie County's economy, with crops such as tobacco, corn, cotton, and wheat being major commodities. The area also became known for its thriving livestock industry.
During the Civil War, Davie County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents fighting for the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The area saw battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Shallow Ford in 1863. After the war, Davie County faced challenges of economic reconstruction, but gradually rebounded with the growth of the tobacco industry and the development of railroads, which facilitated trade and transportation.
In the 20th century, Davie County saw continued advancements in agriculture and industry. The introduction of modern farming techniques and the establishment of poultry and dairy farms helped to diversify the economy. Additionally, textile and furniture manufacturing became prominent industries in the county. In recent years, Davie County has embraced new economic opportunities, including the growth of education and healthcare sectors, as well as the development of tourism and recreational activities centered around its natural beauty and historic landmarks.
Today, Davie County remains a vibrant and inclusive community, proud of its agricultural heritage and committed to preserving its historical assets. With a mix of rural landscapes, small towns, and urban development, the county offers a high quality of life and opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy its unique blend of history and modernity.
Davie County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Davie County, North Carolina.
- 1753 - Davie County is formed from Rowan County, named in honor of William R. Davie, a soldier and statesman.
- 1756 - The county's first courthouse is established.
- 1802 - The town of Mocksville is established as the county seat.
- 1840 - The population of Davie County reaches 6,728.
- 1850 - The Mocksville Female Academy, the county's first home of education, is established.
- 1861-1865 - Davie County suffers during the Civil War, with many of its young men serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1890 - The county's first high school is established.
- 1895 - The first rural free delivery mail route in North Carolina is established in Davie County.
- 1924 - The county's first hospital, Mocksville General Hospital, is built.
- 1963 - The first public library, Davie County Public Library, is established in Mocksville.
- 1970 - The population of Davie County reaches 23,347.
- 1989 - The town of Bermuda Run is incorporated.
- 2002 - The Davie County Economic Development Commission is established to promote and attract businesses to the area.