U.S. Post Office and Mine Rescue Station
Main and 2nd Sts., Jellico, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 famous frontiersman Davy Crockett served as a U.S. congressman from Tennessee from 1827 to 1835. He became a national celebrity during this time, known for his colorful personality and frontier wisdom.
The county was officially established in 1806 and named after Arthur Campbell, a Revolutionary War veteran. During this time, the economy thrived on agriculture, with tobacco and corn being the main crops. The construction of the Cumberland Gap Turnpike in the early 19th century further boosted the county's development, as it became a vital trade route linking East Tennessee to Kentucky.
The Civil War had a profound impact on Campbell County, as it witnessed several skirmishes and battles. Unlike many other counties in the state, Campbell County was evenly divided in its support for the Union and the Confederacy, which led to tensions and conflicts among its residents. After the war, the region faced economic challenges, as the previously prosperous tobacco industry declined.
In the 20th century, Campbell County experienced both progress and setbacks. The completion of Norris Dam in 1936 brought much-needed employment opportunities to the area during the Great Depression. However, the construction of the dam also resulted in the displacement of many residents and the loss of farmland. Throughout the latter half of the century, the county worked to diversify its economy, with industries such as coal mining and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Campbell County is known for its natural beauty, including the Norris Lake and the Cumberland Mountains, which attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. It remains a predominantly rural county, with a mix of traditional industries and a growing service sector. The county continues to honor its history through museums, historical markers, and events that celebrate its diverse heritage.
Campbell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Campbell County, Tennessee.
- 1806 - Campbell County is established by the Tennessee General Assembly
- 1836 - The county's first courthouse is completed in Jacksboro
- 1861-1865 - Campbell County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1892 - The LaFollette Coal, Iron, and Railway Company starts mining operations in the area
- 1904 - The town of LaFollette is officially incorporated
- 1933 - Norris Dam is completed, creating Norris Lake and providing hydroelectric power to the area
- 1942-1945 - During World War II, the Tennessee Valley Authority builds the Oak Ridge reservation nearby to support the Manhattan Project
- 1950s-1970s - The construction of Interstate 75 brings increased accessibility to Campbell County
- 1984 - The Campbell County Historical Society is founded
- 2007 - Campbell County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary