National Register Listing

United States Post Office and Court House

a.k.a. Federal Building and U.S. Court House

815 S Garden St., Columbia, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
  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 Battle of Stones River, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the Civil War, was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. It resulted in over 23,000 casualties, including over 3,000 deaths.
Tennessee random facts
Maury County, located in Middle Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was initially home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Hampton in 1807 as a defense against Native American attacks. This paved the way for the creation of Maury County in 1807, named after Revolutionary War veteran Abram Poindexter Maury.

During the early 19th century, Maury County quickly grew in population and importance. The county became a center for agriculture, particularly tobacco, as well as cotton and hemp. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further fueled economic growth and enabled trade. The county seat, Columbia, saw the construction of impressive antebellum homes and became a hub for education and culture.

However, the prosperity of Maury County was interrupted by the American Civil War. The county witnessed significant battles, including the Battle of Spring Hill and the Battle of Franklin. The destruction and loss of life in these battles were devastating for the local community. After the war, Maury County experienced a slow recovery, but thanks to its fertile soil and favorable climate, the agricultural economy gradually rebounded.

By the 20th century, Maury County embraced industrialization and diversification of its economy. The county's manufacturing sector expanded, attracting companies such as Murray Ohio Manufacturing, which produced bicycles and lawnmowers. The county also experienced advancements in education and infrastructure, with the establishment of Columbia State Community College and the construction of highways.

Today, Maury County continues to blend its rich historical heritage with modern development. The area boasts a thriving agricultural community, vibrant arts scene, and a growing tourism industry. Visitors can explore historical sites, such as the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, the Athenaeum, and the Rippavilla Plantation. Maury County's commitment to preserving its past while embracing progress ensures a bright future for this dynamic Tennessee county.

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

  • 1807 - Maury County was established on November 16, 1807, as a result of an Act of the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1818 - Columbia, the county seat, was incorporated on November 26, 1818.
  • 1828 - James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, moved to Columbia, TN, and began his political career.
  • 1836 - The county experienced a boom due to the opening of the Duck River Navigation Company, making Columbia an important center for commerce.
  • 1861-1865 - Maury County, like the rest of Tennessee, was torn by the American Civil War.
  • 1884 - The Columbia Railway System began operation, connecting Columbia to other parts of Middle Tennessee.
  • 1928 - The James K. Polk Ancestral Home in Columbia became a designated National Historic Site.
  • 1963 - Rippavilla Plantation, a historic Greek Revival mansion, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1990 - The population of Maury County reached 59,343, marking significant growth over the years.
  • 2010 - The Maury County Park was established, providing a recreational area for residents.