Rockwood Post Office
311 Mill St., Rockwood, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
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.
Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park covers over 500,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year.
In the early 19th century, Roane County saw significant growth and development with the construction of the Roane Iron Works in 1807. This ironworks, one of the first in Tennessee, contributed to the county's economic prosperity and attracted additional settlers. The establishment of new towns, such as Kingston, Oak Ridge, and Harriman, further fueled growth, and the county became an important hub for transportation and commerce.
During the Civil War, Roane County witnessed intense and conflicting loyalties. While some residents supported the Confederacy, others remained loyal to the Union. The county experienced several military engagements as both sides vied for control over strategic locations, including the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
In the 20th century, Roane County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The establishment of the Oak Ridge Reservation during World War II brought significant economic growth and played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb. Today, Roane County is known for its natural beauty, thriving industries, and historical landmarks that showcase its intriguing past.
Roane County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Roane County, Tennessee.
- 1801: Roane County is established as a county in the state of Tennessee.
- 1809: Kingston becomes the county seat of Roane County.
- 1838: The Trail of Tears passes through Roane County as Native American tribes are forcibly relocated.
- 1850: The population of Roane County reaches over 7,000 residents.
- 1861-1865: Roane County experiences the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place throughout the area.
- 1890s: The railroad arrives in Roane County, boosting economic development.
- 1930s: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructs dams in the area, including the creation of Watts Bar Dam on the Tennessee River.
- 1966: Construction begins on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a major research facility in Roane County.
- 1985: The Kingston Fossil Plant suffers a major coal ash spill, causing significant environmental damage.
- Present: Roane County continues to grow and thrive, with a diverse economy and a population of over 50,000 residents.