Old Morgantown Post Office
a.k.a. Monongalia Arts Center
107 High St., Morgantown, WV Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 world's first federal prison exclusively for women was established in Alderson, West Virginia, in 1927.
During the American Revolutionary War, Monongalia County played a significant role as a frontier outpost. Fort Burris, built in Morgantown, provided protection from Native American attacks and served as a staging ground for expeditions against British troops and their Native American allies.
In the early 19th century, Monongalia County experienced rapid growth with the development of transportation infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Northwestern Turnpike (now U.S. Route 50) and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. These developments spurred economic growth, attracting settlers and businesses to the region.
The county's economy shifted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the decline of agriculture as mining and manufacturing industries emerged. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting immigrants from Europe and African Americans from the South. Monongalia County also saw growth in manufacturing, particularly glass making, which elevated the region's economy and positioned Morgantown as a hub for education and research.
Today, Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University, one of the state's largest institutions of higher education. The county continues to experience economic growth, driven by the university, healthcare, and technology sectors. With its historical significance and thriving present, Monongalia County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of West Virginia's landscape.
Monongalia County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Monongalia County, West Virginia.
Here is a brief timeline of the history of Monongalia County, WV:- 1776: Monongalia County is established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
- 1784: Morgantown, the county seat, is established and named after Colonel Zackquill Morgan.
- 1796: The University of Pittsburgh is founded as the Pittsburgh Academy, and later becomes a renowned educational institution.
- 1800: The Northwestern Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and trade in the region.
- 1861: West Virginia secedes from Virginia and becomes its own state during the American Civil War.
- 1914: The West Virginia University is established in Morgantown, becoming a major educational center.
- 1975: The Interstate 68 highway is completed, connecting Morgantown with other major cities.
- 2003: The Monongahela River Locks & Dam Number 3, a significant waterway infrastructure, is completed.
- 2020: Monongalia County celebrates its 244th year since establishment.