National Register Listing

Old Post Office

E. 11th and Lindsay Sts., Chattanooga, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
  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.

post office
Tennessee was the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious white supremacist organization that terrorized African Americans and other minority groups throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The group was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865.
Tennessee random facts
Hamilton County, Tennessee has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who inhabited the region for centuries. In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, leading to conflict with the indigenous populations. The Treaty of 1819 forced many Cherokees to relocate, clearing the way for white settlement in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County was officially established in 1819, named after founding father Alexander Hamilton. The county's early economy revolved around agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The construction of various transportation routes, such as the Tennessee River and railroad networks, helped fuel the region's growth. Chattanooga, the county seat, became a major transportation hub, connecting the East and the Midwest.

During the Civil War, Hamilton County witnessed significant military engagements. The Battle of Chickamauga in 1863 was a pivotal moment, resulting in Confederate forces gaining control of Chattanooga temporarily. However, Union forces subsequently reclaimed the city and established it as a leading supply base for their campaigns. Chattanooga's strategic location made it a target for both Confederate and Union forces throughout the war.

In the 20th century, Hamilton County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Manufacturing industries, including steel and textile mills, flourished in the region. With its strong transportation infrastructure and access to natural resources, the county became a major industrial center. The city of Chattanooga transformed into a thriving economic and cultural center, known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Today, Hamilton County continues to be a diverse and dynamic community, blending its historical significance with modern development. The county's rich history, combined with its natural landscapes and urban amenities, make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

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

  • 1819: Hamilton County was established on October 25, 1819, from the Cherokee Indian lands.
  • 1839: Chattanooga became the county seat of Hamilton County on December 30, 1839.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Hamilton County was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces.
  • 1904: The Chattanooga Choo Choo train depot was built, becoming an iconic symbol of the city.
  • 1919: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established, bringing economic development and flood control measures to the region.
  • 1970s: Hamilton County experienced rapid industrial growth, attracting major manufacturing companies and contributing to economic expansion.
  • 1980: The Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world, opened in downtown Chattanooga.
  • 1991: The Walnut Street Bridge, a historic pedestrian bridge, was renovated and reopened as a popular gathering spot.
  • 2000s: Hamilton County became a hub for technology and innovation, with the establishment of the Chattanooga Gigabit Community, providing high-speed internet to residents and businesses.
  • 2019: Hamilton County celebrated its bicentennial, marking 200 years of history and progress.