National Register Listing

Federal Building-U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and United States Courthouse; Site #JE0813

100 E. 8th St., Pine Bluff, AR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
  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 law courthouses buildings
Arkansas has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.
Arkansas random facts
Jefferson County, located in the southeastern part of Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, who lived along the Arkansas River. European explorers first arrived in the region in the early 18th century, with French settlers establishing trading posts and creating alliances with the Native Americans.

The county itself was established in 1829 and was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. With the construction of railroads in the mid-19th century, Jefferson County experienced a significant economic boom. The county became a major hub for transportation and commerce, leading to the growth of towns such as Pine Bluff, the county seat.

During the American Civil War, Jefferson County played a significant role due to its strategic location along the Arkansas River. Pine Bluff, in particular, became an important supply center for the Confederate Army. The county saw numerous skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Pine Bluff in 1863. After the war, Jefferson County slowly recovered and began to diversify its economy, with industries such as timber, agriculture, and manufacturing gaining prominence.

In the 20th century, Jefferson County faced struggles common to many rural areas in the United States. The decline of the timber industry, the Great Depression, and the effects of World War II impacted the county's economy. However, efforts were made to revitalize the area, including the establishment of the Pine Bluff Arsenal, a major military installation. Today, Jefferson County continues to evolve and adapt, with a focus on economic development, education, and preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, Arkansas.

  • Named after Thomas Jefferson, the county was established on November 2, 1829.
  • In 1832, the city of Pine Bluff was founded as the county seat.
  • During the Civil War, Jefferson County was a significant site of military activity.
  • In 1873, the county experienced a devastating fire that destroyed much of Pine Bluff.
  • The city of White Hall was incorporated in 1964.
  • In 1980, Jefferson County experienced a major flood caused by heavy rainfall.
  • Pine Bluff's economy has faced challenges in recent years, leading to population decline.