National Register Listing

US Post Office Building, Former

a.k.a. Waynesville Municipal Building

106 S. Main St., Waynesville, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
  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
North Carolina was the site of the first gold rush in the United States, in the early 1800s. The town of Charlotte was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
North Carolina random facts
Haywood County, located in western North Carolina, has a rich and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who were forced out of the area during the infamous Trail of Tears in the 19th century. European settlement of the area began in the late 18th century, with pioneers establishing farms and small communities along the rivers and valleys.

During the American Civil War, Haywood County was divided in its allegiances, with some residents supporting the Union and others siding with the Confederacy. The region experienced several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Bethel and the Battle of Waynesville. However, the impact of the war on Haywood County was relatively minimal compared to other areas.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Haywood County experienced significant growth due to the development of industries such as agriculture, lumber, and textiles. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s facilitated the transportation of goods and helped spur economic growth in the region. Haywood County became known for its agricultural production, especially in the cultivation of apples, which led to the establishment of a thriving apple industry that continues to this day.

In more recent years, Haywood County has focused on preserving its natural beauty and promoting tourism. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which partially lies within the county, attracts millions of visitors each year who come to explore the area's scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Haywood County has also preserved its historical sites and has become a popular destination for those interested in local history and culture. The county continues to thrive as a vibrant community that balances its past with its aspirations for the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Haywood County, North Carolina.

  • 1808 - Haywood County is established
  • 1828 - The county seat is named Waynesville, in honor of Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne
  • 1876 - The Haywood County Courthouse is built, becoming a prominent landmark in the county
  • 1925 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, including a portion of Haywood County
  • 1940 - The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway, is completed, passing through Haywood County
  • 1997 - The Shining Rock Wilderness area is designated, protecting the unique natural features of the region
  • 2004 - The Pigeon River Gorge is designated a National Wild and Scenic River, preserving its beauty and ecological value