United States Post Office and Court House
a.k.a. G. Ross Anderson. Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
315 S. McDuffie St., Anderson, SC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
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 early 19th century, Anderson County experienced rapid growth and development with the establishment of several important industries. The construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad in 1853 contributed to the county's economic growth by facilitating trade and transportation. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a significant industry during this period, with many plantations operating in the area.
The American Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it did on many Southern communities. The county was divided between those who supported the Confederate cause and those who were loyal to the Union. The Battle of Anderson, which took place in 1864, saw Union forces attempt to disrupt the vital infrastructure of the region, including the railroad. The war left a lasting mark on the county, both socially and economically.
Following the Civil War, Anderson County entered a phase of industrialization. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of textile mills, hydroelectric power plants, and manufacturing industries. This economic shift brought significant growth and prosperity to the area, as well as a diversification of its population. The town of Anderson became a regional center for commerce and trade, establishing itself as a hub for business and cultural activities.
Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county's historical legacy is preserved in landmarks such as the Anderson County Courthouse and several historic districts. Anderson County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, who have continuously worked to shape the county into what it is today.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Anderson County, South Carolina.
- 1826 - Anderson County is established on December 20, named after Revolutionary War hero Robert Anderson.
- 1828 - Anderson becomes the county seat.
- 1851 - The Blue Ridge Railroad is completed, connecting Anderson to the rest of the state.
- 1861-1865 - Anderson County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
- 1871 - Anderson University is founded.
- 1893 - The City of Anderson is incorporated.
- 1895 - Anderson County gains its first electric streetcar service.
- 1909 - Work begins on the creation of Lake Hartwell.
- 1926 - Clemson College is moved from downtown Clemson to a new campus.
- 1942-1946 - During World War II, the Anderson Army Airfield is established.
- 1950s-1960s - Anderson County experiences significant industrial growth.
- 1987 - The County Museum of Art is established.
- 1995 - Anderson County celebrates its 175th anniversary.