US Post Office, Former
a.k.a. Federal Building
405 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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.
In the 1960s, North Carolina was a center of the civil rights movement, with Greensboro being the site of the first sit-in protests in the country.
In the 18th century, European settlers began to make their way into the region. Johnston County was officially formed in 1746, named after Gabriel Johnston, the colonial governor of North Carolina at the time. The county quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers, mainly from Scotland, Ireland, and England. The economy of the county saw an expansion with the establishment of farms, sawmills, and gristmills, as well as the production of naval stores.
During the American Revolutionary War, Johnston County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Local militias were formed to resist British forces, and several notable battles, including the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, had an impact on the outcome of the war.
In the 19th century, Johnston County became an important hub for the railroad industry, as multiple rail lines were constructed through the area. This led to increased trade and economic growth, as well as the rise of towns and communities along the rail routes. Agriculture remained a vital part of the county's economy, with cotton, tobacco, and corn being major crops.
Today, Johnston County has continued to evolve and diversify. It has seen a population boom in recent years, with a growing number of residents commuting to nearby cities for employment opportunities. The county remains agriculturally focused, while also embracing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Johnston County's history is celebrated through various historical sites, museums, and annual events, providing a glimpse into its rich past.
Johnston County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Johnston County, North Carolina.
- 1746: Johnston County is established when it is carved out of Craven County.
- 1759: A courthouse and jail are built in Smithfield, now the county seat.
- 1834: The town of Bentonville is established.
- 1865: The Battle of Bentonville takes place during the Civil War.
- 1886: The first railroad opens in the county, connecting Smithfield and Selma to Fayetteville.
- 1894: The Johnston County Courthouse is rebuilt after a fire destroys the previous one.
- 1918: The first commercial tobacco market opens in Smithfield.
- 1950: The county experiences significant population growth due to industrialization.
- 1970: The Interstate Highway System is expanded, with Interstates 95 and 40 crossing Johnston County.
- 1996: The Ava Gardner Museum opens in Smithfield to honor the renowned actress and local native.