National Register Listing

U. S. Post Office and Federal Building

125 S. Hancock St., Rockingham, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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 successful powered flight of a helicopter, which occurred in Asheville in 1924.
North Carolina random facts
Richmond County, located in North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pee Dee and Cheraw tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the 18th century, with the county being formally established in 1779.

During the early days of its history, Richmond County relied heavily on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of tobacco and cotton. Large plantations emerged, and the county's economy flourished. However, this prosperity was marred by the institution of slavery, which was prevalent in the area.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Richmond County, as it did on many Southern regions. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupations, with battles such as the Battle of Monroe's Crossroads taking place within its borders. After the Civil War, Richmond County struggled economically, much like the rest of the South, as it faced the challenges of Reconstruction.

In the later years, Richmond County began to diversify its economy beyond agriculture. Industries such as textiles and manufacturing emerged, bringing new opportunities for employment and growth. The county's population continued to grow, and educational and healthcare facilities improved. Today, Richmond County maintains a balance between its agricultural roots and its growing industrial base, with a blend of small towns and rural landscapes providing a unique charm for its residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richmond County, North Carolina.

  • 1760: Richmond County is formed and established from parts of Anson County.
  • 1785: The county courthouse is built in Rockingham.
  • 1843: The town of Hamlet is incorporated.
  • 1879: Rockingham becomes the county seat.
  • 1899: The Seaboard Air Line Railroad reaches Hamlet, boosting the town's economy.
  • 1905: Richmond County is officially declared a "dry county" and bans the sale and consumption of alcohol.
  • 1923: The Richmond County Hospital opens in Rockingham.
  • 1973: Rockingham Speedway hosts its first NASCAR race.
  • 1997: The Discovery Place Kids museum opens in Rockingham.
  • 2008: The county's first craft brewery, Wolf's Head Brewing, opens in Hamlet.