National Register Listing

US Post Office

81 N. Forest St., Camden, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  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.

architecture post office
Tennessee was the site of the first recorded manned flight in history. In 1878, a man named George Washington Pearcy flew a steam-powered aircraft over a field in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Tennessee random facts
Benton County, located in western Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1835 and named after Thomas Hart Benton, a prominent U.S. senator from Missouri known for his support of westward expansion. At that time, the area was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Cherokee.

One significant event in Benton County's history was the construction of the Tennessee River's Kentucky Dam in the 1930s. This damming of the river led to the creation of Kentucky Lake, which borders the county and became a major tourist attraction and economic boon for the area. The construction of the dam also brought about significant changes in the landscape and further influenced the development of Benton County.

During the Civil War, Benton County saw its fair share of military action. Union and Confederate forces both vied for control of the region, resulting in skirmishes and battles. The Battle of Johnsonville, which took place in 1864, was a notable engagement in Benton County. Despite the destruction caused by the war, the county rebounded and continued to grow in the following years.

In the late 20th century, Benton County experienced economic diversification and saw the rise of industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. Today, it is home to a thriving community, with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities attracting tourists and residents alike. Benton County continues to evolve while cherishing its past, making it a unique and historically significant part of Tennessee.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Benton County, Tennessee.

  • 1807: Benton County, Tennessee is established on December 19.
  • 1845: Camden becomes the county seat.
  • 1862: Benton County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1870: Benton County's population reaches 8,791.
  • 1930: Construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams begins, which greatly transforms the county's landscape and economy.
  • 1943: Construction of Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River is completed.
  • 1975: Benton County establishes Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.
  • 2020: Benton County celebrates its 213th anniversary.