National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Court House

a.k.a. Ed Jones Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

109 S. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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.

architecture politics government post office
Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. It was also a key site for nuclear research during the Cold War.
Tennessee random facts
Madison County, located in western Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. In 1819, the county was established and named in honor of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.

During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy. Cotton became the dominant crop, leading to the establishment of numerous plantations worked by enslaved laborers. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century fueled economic growth and connected Madison County to larger markets, facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

Madison County experienced significant strife during the American Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place in the area. The county was also impacted by Reconstruction policies following the war, as efforts to rebuild and transform the region were met with resistance and racial tensions persisted.

In the 20th century, Madison County evolved into a center for education and healthcare. The establishment of the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1927 and the construction of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in 1950 played crucial roles in shaping the county's modern landscape. Throughout the years, the county has continued to grow and diversify, becoming a vibrant community known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Madison County, Tennessee.

  • 1821 - Madison County was officially established on November 7
  • 1822 - Jackson became the county seat and major city
  • 1835 - Lambuth College (now known as University of Memphis - Lambuth Campus) was established in Jackson
  • 1862-1865 - Madison County saw significant activity during the American Civil War
  • 1865 - Freedmen's Bureau established in Jackson to aid emancipated slaves
  • 1954 - Interstate 40 was completed, running through Madison County
  • 1979 - Casey Jones Village, a popular tourist attraction, opened in Jackson
  • 1999 - The West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex opened in Jackson
  • 2005 - Former President George W. Bush visited Madison County to view Hurricane Katrina relief efforts