Historical Marker

Old Post Office

Historical marker location:
Elizabethton, Tennessee
( Marker is on East Elk Avenue just west of Post Office Street, on the left when traveling east.)

Elizabethton Walking Tour

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
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.
Tennessee random facts
Carter County, Tennessee, was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee people. European settlers began to make their way into the area in the late 1700s, primarily Scots-Irish immigrants who were drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1796 and named after Landon Carter, a revolutionary war hero.

In the 19th century, Carter County played a significant role in the frontier and Civil War era. It was known for its rugged terrain and served as a gateway for westward expansion. The county saw conflicts with Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Removal in the 1830s. During the Civil War, the county was divided, with many residents supporting the Confederacy while others supported the Union. The Battle of Carter's Station in 1864 was a notable engagement between Union and Confederate forces.

The 20th century brought economic and technological advancements to Carter County. Logging and mining industries thrived, utilizing the county's rich natural resources. The establishment of the East Tennessee State Normal School (now East Tennessee State University) in Johnson City in 1911 provided educational opportunities for local residents. The county also saw improvements in transportation infrastructure, including the construction of highways and railroads.

Today, Carter County is known for its natural beauty, with scenic mountains, rivers, and forests attracting outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. The county has preserved its historical heritage with various museums, historic sites, and annual events that celebrate the region's culture and traditions. Additionally, the county continues to be an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare in the region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Carter County, Tennessee.

  • 1777 - Carter County is established as a county in the state of Tennessee.
  • 1781 - Carter County settlers build the first permanent settlement in the area known as Watauga.
  • 1784 - John Carter, the county's namesake, arrives in the region and establishes the town of Elizabethton.
  • 1796 - Tennessee becomes the 16th state in the United States, and Carter County is part of it.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Carter County experiences battles and military operations.
  • 1881 - The first railroad, the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, is completed in Carter County.
  • 1916 - A devastating flood strikes Carter County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1942-1943 - The Watauga Dam is built on the Watauga River to control flooding and generate hydroelectric power.
  • 1982 - The Carter Mansion, one of the oldest standing wooden structures in Tennessee, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2010 - Carter County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of existence.