National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

a.k.a. George W. Andrews Federal Building

701 Ave. A, Opelika, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
  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 post office
Alabama is rich in history and culture. It is a place worth exploring.
Condoleezza Rice in Interview with CNN
Lee County, Alabama traces its roots back to the early 19th century when it was established as a county on December 5, 1866. Before its establishment, the area was home to the Creek Native American tribe, who inhabited the region for centuries. The county was named after General Robert E. Lee, a prominent Confederate Army general during the American Civil War.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development, particularly due to the arrival of the railroad in the 1840s. This new transportation infrastructure led to the establishment of several thriving towns within the county, including Auburn and Opelika. Auburn, in particular, played a crucial role in the county's history as it became the site of the founding of Auburn University in 1856, which has since become a significant educational institution in the Southeastern United States.

Like many areas in the South, Lee County also grappled with the challenges brought on by the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century. The county experienced significant racial tensions and conflicts during this time, with African Americans fighting for equal rights and desegregation. One of the most notable events occurred in Tuskegee, a city within Lee County, where the Tuskegee Airmen—a group of African American military pilots—made history during World War II by overcoming racial barriers.

In recent years, Lee County has continued to experience growth and development. The county's population has steadily increased, and its economy thrived with the presence of Auburn University, local industries, and a diverse range of businesses. Today, Lee County remains a vibrant and diverse community that embraces its rich history while working towards a prosperous future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lee County, Alabama.

  • Lee County was established on December 5, 1866.
  • In 1883, the first railroad, the Atlanta & West Point Railroad, was completed in Lee County.
  • In 1899, Auburn University, then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute, was founded in Lee County.
  • In 1931, Chewacla State Park was established in Lee County.
  • In 1961, the Robert G. Pitts Municipal Airport was opened in Lee County.
  • In 1975, the Lee County Historical Society was formed to preserve and share the history of the county.
  • In 2007, the East Alabama Medical Center opened its new hospital facility in Lee County.
  • In 2019, Lee County was struck by a devastating tornado, resulting in 23 fatalities.
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