US Post Office
200 S. College St., Trenton, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 Great Train Robbery of 1866, one of the most famous train robberies in American history, took place in Tennessee. A group of Confederate veterans stole $90,000 from a train traveling from Nashville to Chattanooga.
In the early 1800s, settlers began to migrate into Gibson County, drawn by the fertile lands and the promise of new opportunities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy, with many plantations dotting the landscape. Slavery played a significant role in the county's early development, as enslaved individuals were heavily relied upon for labor.
During the Civil War, Gibson County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict. The Battle of Trenton, fought in December 1862, took place in the county and resulted in Union forces gaining control. The war brought destruction and loss to many residents, but the county slowly recovered in the following years.
In the decades that followed, Gibson County experienced periods of growth and change. The county saw advancements in transportation, with the arrival of railroads and the construction of highways. Education also became a focus, with the establishment of schools and colleges. Today, Gibson County remains a thriving community with a diverse economy and a commitment to preserving its history.
Gibson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gibson County, Tennessee.
- 1823 - Gibson County is established and named after Colonel John H. Gibson.
- 1824 - Trenton is designated as the county seat of Gibson County.
- 1835 - The Jackson and Memphis Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
- 1859 - Gibson County becomes a significant producer of cotton, with over 26,000 bales produced in the county that year.
- 1861-1865 - Gibson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The first newspaper in Gibson County, the Trenton Gazette, is published.
- 1889 - Gibson County's population reaches over 27,000 residents.
- 1900 - The city of Humboldt is incorporated.
- 1933 - Gibson County experiences severe flooding due to heavy rains and the failure of nearby levees.
- 1940s - Gibson County contributes significantly to the war effort during World War II.
- 1986 - The Discovery Park of America is established in Union City, becoming a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
- 2003 - The Gibson County Special School District is created to serve the educational needs of the county.