US Post Office, Former

124 W. James St., Mount Olive, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
  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.

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In the early 1900s, North Carolina was home to a thriving film industry, centered in the town of Wilmington. Many early silent films were shot in the state.
Wayne County, North Carolina has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tuscarora and the Waccamaw. In the early 1700s, English settlers began to establish permanent settlements in the region. Wayne County was officially formed in 1779 and was named after Revolutionary War hero General Anthony Wayne.

Throughout the 19th century, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy. The county became known for its fertile soil and production of crops such as cotton, tobacco, and corn. The growth of industry, particularly the railroad, in the late 1800s further stimulated economic development in Wayne County. The railroad connected the county to other major cities, facilitating the transport of goods while also attracting new businesses and residents.

Wayne County also played a significant role in the Civil War. The county saw several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge in 1862, which resulted in a Confederate victory. The war had lasting effects on the county's economy and social structure, as many plantations and farms were destroyed or abandoned, leading to a period of recovery and rebuilding in the following years.

In the 20th century, Wayne County continued to evolve and adapt. The county experienced periods of economic growth and setbacks, including the impact of World War II and the decline of the tobacco industry. Over time, the county diversified its economy, welcoming new industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Wayne County remains an important agricultural hub in North Carolina, while also embracing technological advances and promoting education and cultural amenities for its residents.

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

  • 1779 - Wayne County is established by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly.
  • 1782 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of Waynesborough.
  • 1836 - Goldsborough becomes the county seat, replacing Waynesborough.
  • 1865 - The Battle of Bentonville, the last major battle of the Civil War in the Carolinas, takes place in Wayne County.
  • 1884 - The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad reaches Goldsborough, boosting the area's economy.
  • 1900 - Goldsborough is officially renamed Goldsboro.
  • 1942 - Seymour Johnson Field, later named Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, is established near Goldsboro.
  • 1970s - Wayne County's economy shifts towards manufacturing and services.
  • 1999 - Hurricane Floyd devastates Wayne County, causing significant flooding and damage.