Johnson City Postal Savings Bank and Post Office
a.k.a. Ashe Street Courthouse
401 Ashe St., Johnson City, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
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 famous Battle of Franklin during the Civil War was one of the deadliest battles of the conflict. It took place on November 30, 1864, and resulted in over 8,000 casualties, including over 2,000 deaths.
During the Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role as a base for attacks against British forces. The county's courthouse, located in Jonesborough, witnessed the signing of the first constitutional government in the southwestern frontier, making it an important historical site. The county continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century, becoming a center for agriculture, commerce, and education.
One of the most notable events in Washington County's history occurred during the American Civil War. The county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to numerous skirmishes and raids. The Battle of Limestone College, fought in 1863, was a significant moment in the county's past as Union forces successfully repelled Confederate troops, ensuring control of the region.
In the years following the Civil War, Washington County experienced a period of economic growth driven by industrialization. Railroads were established, bringing coal and other resources to the region, and manufacturing flourished. The county became known for its production of textiles, and several mills were built along the rivers. Today, Washington County continues to thrive as a vibrant area that blends its rich history with modern amenities, attracting visitors from around the world.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Tennessee.
- 1777: Washington County, TN was established on March 26 as part of North Carolina.
- 1780: The Battle of Kings Mountain occurred in what is now Washington County, Tennessee.
- 1784: John Sevier, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, became the county's first elected governor.
- 1788: Jonesborough, the county seat, was founded as the first town in Tennessee.
- 1796: Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States with Washington County remaining a part of it.
- 1856: The completion of the Watauga Railroad boosted the local economy.
- 1861: The American Civil War began, and Washington County experienced significant disruptions.
- 1870: The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad was completed, connecting the county to a wider transportation network.
- 1911: East Tennessee State Normal School (now East Tennessee State University) was established in Johnson City.
- 1942: The Tennessee Valley Authority's Boone Dam was completed, generating hydroelectric power and providing flood control.