National Register Listing

US Post Office-Shelby Street Station

a.k.a. Shelby Street Station Post Office

620 Shelby St., Bristol, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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 post office
Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
Tennessee was the site of the first recorded manned flight in history. In 1878, a man named George Washington Pearcy flew a steam-powered aircraft over a field in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Tennessee random facts
Sullivan County, located in the northeastern part of Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by the Cherokee and Shawnee tribes before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The first permanent settlement, known as Fort Robinson, was established near present-day Kingsport in 1771.

During the American Revolutionary War, Sullivan County played a vital role as a gateway for western exploration and expansion. The settlers faced numerous difficulties, including conflicts with Native American tribes and lack of infrastructure. However, following the war, the county experienced rapid growth and development, attracting many pioneers.

In the 19th century, Sullivan County became a hub of industry and commerce in East Tennessee. Kingsport, incorporated in 1822, boomed due to its location along the Holston River and proximity to the railway. The construction of a major steel mill and the establishment of Eastman Chemical Company further fueled economic growth in the county.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Sullivan County. With the advent of the automobile, tourism became an essential industry. Renowned for its natural beauty, the county's mountainous landscapes and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains attracted visitors from across the country. Sullivan County also witnessed significant growth in the education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Today, the county continues to thrive as a vibrant community, combining a rich historical heritage with modern amenities.

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

  • 1761 - Sullivan County is established as part of the Province of North Carolina
  • 1776 - Sullivan County becomes part of the newly formed State of Franklin
  • 1784 - State of Franklin collapses and Sullivan County returns to North Carolina
  • 1789 - Sullivan County is transferred to the Southwest Territory
  • 1796 - Tennessee becomes a state, and Sullivan County is included in its boundaries
  • 1861-1865 - Sullivan County plays a significant role in the American Civil War
  • 1910 - Bristol is established as a twin city spanning Tennessee and Virginia in Sullivan County
  • 1969 - The Bristol Motor Speedway opens in Sullivan County
  • today - Sullivan County continues to be an important area for commerce, tourism, and outdoor activities