National Register Listing

St. Albans Post Office

a.k.a. Old St. Albans Post Office

202 Sixth Ave., St. Albans, WV
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
  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 community planning and development post office
West Virginia is home to the Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. It is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and is located in the Allegheny Mountains.
West Virginia random facts
Kanawha County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the Kanawha River for transportation and trade. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish homesteads in the area, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

During the American Civil War, Kanawha County saw significant military activity. It was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces, as control of the Kanawha River meant dominance over key transportation routes. The Battle of Charleston took place in the county in 1862, resulting in Union victory and the expulsion of Confederate forces from the area.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought industrialization to Kanawha County, thanks to the discovery of vast coal reserves. This led to a boom in mining and the establishment of numerous mining towns. The county became a major center for the coal industry, attracting workers from across the country and around the world.

In more recent times, Kanawha County has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the coal industry. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism. The county is home to a number of tourist attractions, including beautiful parks, historical sites, and the state capital, Charleston. Today, Kanawha County continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kanawha County, West Virginia.

  • 1788 - Kanawha County is established from parts of Greenbrier and Montgomery counties.
  • 1831 - Charleston becomes the county seat of Kanawha County.
  • 1850 - The population of Kanawha County reaches 12,174.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Kanawha County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1870 - The population of Kanawha County grows to 17,039.
  • 1875 - A devastating flood hits Kanawha County, causing significant damage.
  • 1917 - The Kanawha County Public Library is established.
  • 1943 - The Battle of Blair Mountain takes place in southern Kanawha County during the West Virginia Mine Wars.
  • 1974 - The Kanawha County textbook controversy leads to protests and violence in the community.
  • 1994 - Kanawha County celebrates its bicentennial.