Princeton Post Office
a.k.a. Princeton Public Library; Anne H. Stafford Library; MC-0593
920 Mercer St., Princeton, WV 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 first African American to serve as a member of the United States Senate was Hiram Rhodes Revels, who was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia, in 1827.
The county was officially formed in 1837 and was named after Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero. During the mid-19th century, the region experienced rapid growth due to the discovery of vast coal and mineral deposits. Coal mining became the primary industry, attracting immigrants from Europe who sought job opportunities in the mines. These immigrants brought their unique cultural traditions to the area, contributing to the rich ethnic diversity that still exists today.
Mercer County played a significant role in the Civil War. The county's location on the border of Virginia and strategic railroad connections made it a contested area. During the war, both Union and Confederate forces occupied the region, leading to battles and skirmishes that left a mark on the landscape. The war also impacted the economy and the lives of local residents, many of whom participated in the conflict.
In the 20th century, Mercer County continued to thrive economically, with coal mining remaining a dominant industry. The county experienced population growth and urbanization, with the city of Bluefield becoming an important center for commerce, education, and entertainment. However, like many other coal-dependent regions, Mercer County faced challenges and declines in the late 20th century as the coal industry declined. Efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract new industries to the area, focusing on tourism, healthcare, and education.
Today, Mercer County preserves its unique heritage through historical markers, museums, and annual festivals that celebrate the region's cultural diversity. The county provides a mix of natural beauty, including the scenic Bluestone and New Rivers, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Despite facing economic and social changes, Mercer County continues to evolve while cherishing its rich past.
Mercer County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mercer County, West Virginia.
- 1837 - Mercer County is established as a county in Virginia.
- 1863 - Mercer County becomes part of West Virginia when it secedes from Virginia during the American Civil War.
- 1888 - Princeton, the county seat of Mercer County, is incorporated.
- 1918-1922 - Construction of the Bluestone Dam begins on the Bluestone River in Mercer County.
- 1949 - The Bluestone Dam is completed, providing flood control and recreational opportunities in the area.
- 1963 - The Mercer County War Memorial Building is dedicated as a tribute to local veterans.
- 1985 - Mercer County Airport is established, providing air travel options for the region.
- 2002 - The Chuck Mathena Center, a performing arts venue, opens in Princeton.
- 2016 - Mercer County celebrates its 179th anniversary.