Old Post Office
a.k.a. Mena City Hall
520 N. Mena St., Mena, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
In 1844, the Polk County area became a part of the Republic of Texas. After the annexation of Texas into the United States in 1846, Polk County was incorporated into the newly formed state of Arkansas. The county was named after President James K. Polk, who was in office at the time.
During the American Civil War, Polk County experienced significant conflict. It was a divided area, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The Battle of Backbone Mountain took place in Polk County in 1864, with Confederate forces successfully repelling Union troops.
After the Civil War, Polk County's economy shifted from agriculture to include timber and mining industries. The county experienced a boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including zinc and lead. However, natural disasters such as the Great Depression and severe flooding in the mid-20th century caused economic decline in the region.
Despite the challenges faced throughout its history, Polk County has remained resilient. Today, it is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. The county continues to honor its heritage through the preservation of historic sites and landmarks, allowing visitors and residents alike to appreciate its storied past.
Polk County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Polk County, Arkansas.
- 1838: Polk County is founded and named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.
- 1849: The first post office is established in Polk County.
- 1861-1865: Polk County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1880s: The arrival of the railroad leads to increased economic development and population growth in Polk County.
- 1898: The county courthouse in Mena, the county seat of Polk County, is completed.
- 1924: The Mena-Intermountain Municipal Airport is established in Polk County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacts Polk County, causing economic hardships for its residents.
- 1957: The Queen Wihelmina State Park is established in eastern Polk County.
- 1976: The Old Military Road Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2009: The Ouachita National Forest, which covers parts of Polk County, celebrates its 100th anniversary.