US Post Office
114 W. Washington, Union City, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 1823, named after the Obion River, which flows through it. The county seat, Union City, was founded in 1854 and quickly became a thriving center for trade, commerce, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further stimulated economic growth in the area, allowing for the expansion of agriculture, industry, and commerce.
During the Civil War, Obion County was divided in its loyalties. Many residents supported the Confederacy, while others remained loyal to the Union. The county experienced several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Troy in March 1862. Following the war, the agricultural economy was heavily impacted, but the county recovered and saw a surge in industrial development in the early 20th century.
Today, Obion County is largely rural, with agriculture remaining a significant part of the local economy. The county is known for its rich farmland and is a major producer of cotton, soybeans, and corn. Industrial and manufacturing sectors have also grown, contributing to the county's economic diversity. With its historical roots, natural beauty, and vibrant community, Obion County continues to evolve while honoring its past.
Obion County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Obion County, Tennessee.
- 1823: Obion County is established by the Tennessee General Assembly.
- 1834: Troy is founded as the county seat.
- 1841: The Mississippi River flood causes significant damage in the county.
- 1861-1865: Obion County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1872: City of Union City is incorporated.
- 1903: Reelfoot Lake is created by the infamous New Madrid earthquake.
- 1925: Discovery of oil and gas leads to economic growth in the area.
- 1969: The county experiences severe flooding due to heavy rains.
- 1997: Obion County Fairgrounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2002: The Discovery Park of America opens in Union City, promoting education and tourism.