Industry Post Office
Historical marker location:During Mexican rule of Texas, a post office was established in May of 1830 at San Felipe, the center of Stephen F. Austin's Texas colony. On the Gotier Trace, a road connecting San Felipe to what would become the town of Bastrop, the German family of Johann Friedrich Ernst had settled and established the community of Industry by 1831.
Known as the "Father of German immigration to Texas," Ernst wrote numerous letters to his native Oldenburg, Germany. One, printed in German newspapers, attracted many German immigrants to Texas. The German settlement of Industry grew around Ernst's property, which included his home and a store. Mail coming to area residents was addressed in care of Ernst, who had worked as a postal clerk before coming to America.
By 1838, during the Republic of Texas era, Johann Gottlieb Sieper, Ernst's partner who later became his son-in-law, acted as Industry's first postmaster. In 1840, his position became official. He continued in this capacity after Texas joined the Union, and he remained postmaster until his death in 1855. A few months later, Ernst Knolle became postmaster, and the Industry post office moved to the Knolle store, approximately a half mile east of this site.
The Ernst Store property, long held to be the site of Industry's first post office, remains in the community today as part of Ernst Memorial Park. The restored and stabilized building is a reminder of early Texas settlement and the importance of a mail system to the colonists. Positioned along a route that crossed the early center of Austin's Colony, Industry developed similarly to the rest of the state, with postal service first relying on an individual or small number of residents before evolving into a more established system. (2004)
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.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.
Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.
Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.
Austin County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Austin County, Texas.
- 1821 - Austin County is established as one of the original 23 counties in Texas.
- 1831 - Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas", passes away and is buried in Austin County.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, leading to an influx of settlers in Austin County.
- 1856 - The town of Bellville is established as the county seat of Austin County.
- 1861-1865 - Austin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1878 - The Texas state legislature formally recognizes Austin County as the "Cradle of the Republic".
- 1887 - The San Felipe and Southwestern Railroad connects Austin County to the rest of Texas.
- 1907 - The Brazos River floods Austin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 1965 - The Stephen F. Austin State Park is established in Austin County.
- 1992 - The Austin County Historical Commission is formed to preserve the county's history and heritage.
- Present - Austin County continues to thrive as an agricultural and historic region in Texas.