U. S. Post Office
a.k.a. Henry Street Station
134 N. Henry St., Morristown, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 County was officially established in 1870 and was named after Hezekiah Hamblen, a prominent politician and lawyer. The early years of Hamblen County saw the development of small farming communities, with agriculture being the main economic driver. The completion of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated the growth of the local economy and allowed for easier transportation of goods.
In the early 20th century, Hamblen County experienced significant industrial growth with the establishment of several factories and manufacturing plants. This led to an increase in population and boosted the local economy. The county became known for its textile mills, furniture manufacturing, and garment industry.
In more recent years, Hamblen County has diversified its economy, with a focus on healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to Morristown, its largest city, which serves as a regional hub for commerce and services. Hamblen County also boasts beautiful natural attractions, including Cherokee Lake and the Panther Creek State Park, which draw visitors from near and far. Overall, the history of Hamblen County reflects a transformation from an agricultural community to a thriving industrial and commercial center.
Hamblen County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hamblen County, Tennessee.
- 1801: Hamblen County officially established as part of the Territory South of the River Ohio.
- 1804: The first courthouse in Hamblen County is built.
- 1807: The county's first settlers begin to arrive, primarily of Scotch-Irish descent.
- 1850: Morristown, the county seat, is incorporated as a town.
- 1861-1865: Hamblen County residents participate in the American Civil War, with some serving in the Confederate Army and others in the Union Army.
- 1870: Hamblen County's population stands at 3,711, according to the U.S. Census.
- 1872: The first railroad, the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railway, is completed in Hamblen County.
- 1907: The City of Morristown is officially incorporated.
- 1917-1919: Hamblen County residents contribute to World War I efforts through various means, including enlisting in the military and aiding in war-related industries.
- 1929-1939: The Great Depression hits Hamblen County hard, resulting in economic hardship for many residents.
- 1941-1945: Numerous Hamblen County residents serve in World War II, both in the military and on the home front supporting the war effort.
- 1949: The opening of the Cherokee Dam on the Holston River helps spur economic development and provides recreational opportunities.
- 1959: Morristown-Hamblen Hospital opens, providing improved healthcare services to residents.
- 1987: Walters State Community College opens its Morristown campus, providing higher education opportunities to local students.
- 2021: Hamblen County's population reaches approximately 65,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.