US Post Office-Main
a.k.a. U.S. Post Office;Main Post Office
Morford St. and Court Sq., McMinnville, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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 first recorded gold rush in the United States occurred in Tennessee in the early 19th century. The discovery of gold in the state's Cherokee lands sparked a rush of settlers and miners hoping to strike it rich.
The early settlers of Warren County were primarily of Scotch-Irish and English descent. They relied on agriculture, with corn being the main crop in the early years. The county's fertile lands and plentiful water sources, such as the Barren Fork River and Collins River, made it an ideal location for farming. As the county developed, more crops, such as apples and peaches, were grown and became important to the local economy.
The 19th century brought significant growth to Warren County, largely due to the introduction of the railroad. In 1852, the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad reached the county, connecting it to major trade centers. This led to the establishment of industries including timber mills, iron foundries, and textile mills. The railroad also made it easier for people to access and settle in the county, contributing to its population growth.
Warren County has always had a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its annual celebration, the Warren County A&L Fair, which began in 1856. The fair showcases local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment, attracting visitors from nearby areas. Today, Warren County continues to be a vibrant community that values its agricultural roots while embracing modern development and industry.
Warren County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Warren County, Tennessee.
- 1807 - Warren County is established as a county in the state of Tennessee.
- 1810 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of McMinnville.
- 1815 - The first school in the county is established.
- 1837 - The Southern Standard, the county's first newspaper, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Warren County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1867 - The Tennessee Reform School, later known as the Tennessee Industrial School, is established in McMinnville.
- 1889 - Bonnaroo, a music and arts festival, is founded in the county.
- 1890 - The Tennessee Central Railway reaches McMinnville, boosting the local economy.
- 1917-1918 - Warren County contributes soldiers for World War I.
- 1938 - The Great Hurricane of 1938 causes significant damage in the county.
- 1943-1945 - Warren County residents serve in World War II.
- 1965 - Cumberland Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, opens for public tours.
- 1990 - The Tennessee legislature designates McMinnville as the nursery capital of the world.
- 2002 - The McMinnville-Warren County Airport officially opens.