Penland Post Office and General Store
a.k.a. Bailey lumber Company Office Building; Bailey Lumber Company Office and General Merchandise Stor_
1162 Penland Rd., Penland, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
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.
The North Carolina State Capitol building in Raleigh was built in the Greek Revival style and completed in 1840. It is one of the oldest state capitol buildings in continuous use in the United States.
Native Americans, primarily the Cherokee Indians, were the first inhabitants of the area. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, and the region became a thriving agricultural community. The county's economy was largely based on farming and logging, with residents growing crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The timber industry also played a significant role in the development of Mitchell County.
In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought new opportunities for growth and trade. The town of Bakersville became the county seat and a center of commerce. The construction of dams and hydroelectric power stations along the Toe River further fueled the county's economic development.
During the early 20th century, Mitchell County experienced a decline in farming due to the exodus of young people seeking better job opportunities elsewhere. However, the county's natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities attracted tourists, and today, tourism plays a vital role in the local economy.
Overall, Mitchell County's history is characterized by its transition from an agricultural and logging community to a tourism-driven economy. Its stunning landscapes, including the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, continue to attract visitors and make the county a unique and memorable destination.
Mitchell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mitchell County, North Carolina.
- 1777 - Mitchell County was established as a part of Burke County.
- 1796 - The county became a part of Buncombe County.
- 1841 - Mitchell County was officially formed, with lands from Burke and Yancey Counties.
- 1851 - The county seat was established in Bakersville.
- 1861-1865 - Mitchell County saw significant involvement in the American Civil War.
- 1928 - The Clinchfield Railroad was completed, providing improved transportation and economic opportunities for the county.
- 1976 - Mount Mitchell State Park, located in Mitchell County, was designated as the first state park in North Carolina.
- Today, Mitchell County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.