Former Waller County Post Offices

Before the age of modern communication, the postal system was a vital link between isolated rural settlements in the area of present-day Waller County. Early post offices were often located in a residence or general store near the local church, gristmill, cotton gin, or blacksmith shop. They provided a center of community activity where families could socialize, purchase supplies, and pick up mail, and they were sometimes used as polling places during elections. Each post office served a small area because travel by wagon and horseback over dirt roads was difficult and slow. Although most facilities served farm villages, others were situated at railroad stops or sawmill towns. A storekeeper, miller, or other community leader served as postmaster. The need for numerous small post stations decreased with the advent of motor transportation and improved roads. Larger towns absorbed some facilities, and Rural Free Delivery, instituted in 1896, replaced others. In some cases, the rural community disappeared along with its post office as a victim of urbanization. Discontinued post offices served the area of present-day Waller County from the 1840s to 1969.

Hempstead, Texas · United States