National Register Listing

Dardanelle Agriculture and Post Office

a.k.a. YE0094

103 N. Front St., Dardanelle, AR
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
  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.

politics government post office
During the Civil War, Arkansas was a Confederate state, and the battles of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove were fought in the state. In addition, the city of Little Rock was occupied by Union troops for much of the war.
Arkansas random facts
Yell County, Arkansas, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the Arkansas River valley. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of riches, but permanent European settlement did not occur until much later.

In the early 19th century, Yell County was part of the Louisiana Purchase and was included in the Arkansas Territory when it was established in 1819. The area saw an influx of settlers, primarily of European descent, who established farms, plantations, and small communities. The county was officially established on December 5, 1840, and was named after Archibald Yell, a renowned figure in the state and the first member of Congress from Arkansas.

Yell County played a significant role during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control of the Arkansas River. The Battle of Dardanelle, fought in 1864, was a key conflict in the region and resulted in a Union victory. Yell County was also a major center for cotton production during the antebellum period and following the war, as agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy.

Throughout the 20th century, Yell County continued to evolve and develop. The construction of dams along the Arkansas River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities, such as the popular Lake Dardanelle. The county's economy has diversified over time, with industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Yell County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical sites that showcase its vibrant and complex past.

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

  • 1818 - Yell County was established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1833 - The county seat was moved to Dardanelle.
  • 1846 - The first courthouse in Dardanelle was constructed.
  • 1861-1865 - Yell County residents were significantly affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1886 - The second courthouse in Dardanelle was built.
  • 1939-1945 - Yell County contributed to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1950s - The completion of Nimrod Dam led to significant economic growth in Yell County.
  • 1992 - The current and third courthouse building was constructed in Dardanelle.
  • 2011 - The cities of Dardanelle and Danville were hit by a devastating tornado.