Searcy Post Office
a.k.a. Resource #WH0037;Municipal Court House
Jct. of Gum and Arch Sts., SW corner, Searcy, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.
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.
In the early 19th century, settlers began to pour into the region, attracted by the fertile soil and ample hunting opportunities. The first town to be established in White County was Searcy, which became the county seat in 1837. The town quickly grew, thanks to the construction of the Southwest Trail, a major trade route that ran through the area.
During the Civil War, White County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents siding with the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The Battle of Whitney's Lane, fought in July 1864, was a significant event in the county's history, as Union troops defeated Confederate forces near West Point.
In the years following the war, agriculture became the backbone of White County's economy. Cotton, corn, and wheat were among the main crops grown in the area, and a number of gristmills and cotton gins were established to support the agricultural industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening up new markets for farmers.
Today, White County continues to be an important agricultural region, known for its production of soybeans, rice, and poultry. In addition to its agricultural heritage, the county is also home to several industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. With its rich history and thriving economy, White County remains a vibrant community in the heart of Arkansas.
White County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of White County, Arkansas.
- 1809: White County is created on October 23, 1809, as part of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1836: Searcy becomes the county seat of White County.
- 1861-1865: White County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1871: The city of Beebe is incorporated.
- 1892: The city of Bald Knob is incorporated.
- 1921: The Harding College (now known as Harding University) is established in Searcy.
- 1930s: The White County Cooperative Extension Service is established.
- 1940: Bald Knob and Bradford railroads merge, creating the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Company.
- 1996: The White County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
- 2008: The city of Searcy passes an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.