Conway Post Office
a.k.a. Horry County Museum
428 Main St., Conway, SC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
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 Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House on July 2, 1964. The bill was partly in response to the ongoing Civil Rights Movement, which had gained momentum in South Carolina and other southern states.
During the American Revolutionary War, Horry County played a significant role. Local militia units, led by figures like General Peter Horry, fought against British forces in battles such as the Battle of Black Mingo and the Battle of Waccamaw. Following the war, Horry County was officially established in 1801 and named after General Peter Horry in recognition of his military service.
In the decades that followed, Horry County's economy focused primarily on agriculture and timber, with rice being a major crop. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further economic growth to the area. The county's population increased significantly during this time, as more people moved to the area to take advantage of the opportunities.
In the 20th century, Horry County experienced a shift towards tourism as a major industry. The construction of roads and bridges, including the iconic Conway Bypass and the Conway Bridge, made the area more accessible to visitors. Today, Horry County is most famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant entertainment scene, and numerous golf courses, attracting millions of tourists each year and contributing significantly to the local economy.
Horry County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Horry County, South Carolina.
- 1730s - The area that would become Horry County is settled by European colonists.
- 1801 - Horry County is officially established and named after General Peter Horry, a Revolutionary War hero.
- 1861-1865 - Horry County residents support the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1887 - The town of Conway is incorporated as the county seat of Horry County.
- 1898 - The Galveston Hurricane devastates the coastal areas of Horry County.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Horry County's economy, leading to increased poverty and government assistance programs.
- 1940s-1950s - Horry County experiences significant population growth due to the construction of military bases and an increase in tourism.
- 1963 - Horry County establishes its first public school district.
- 1976 - The Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park opens, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
- 1989 - Hurricane Hugo strikes Horry County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 2000s - Horry County continues to grow rapidly, attracting retirees and tourists to its beaches and golf courses.