DeWitt Post Office
a.k.a. AR0416
221 W. Cross St., DeWitt, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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.
The town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was founded in the late 19th century as a health resort due to its location near natural springs believed to have healing properties. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its Victorian architecture and scenic beauty.
The county was officially formed in 1813 during the Arkansas Territory period. At that time, it covered a vast area that included present-day Arkansas, Monroe, and Phillips Counties. The county seat was established in Arkansas Post, an important trading center and the first capital of the Arkansas Territory. Arkansas Post played a significant role during the Civil War as a strategic supply depot for the Confederacy but was eventually captured by Union forces in 1863.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arkansas County thrived mostly due to the agricultural industry. Cotton plantations became a dominant force in the local economy, relying heavily on the labor of enslaved African Americans. However, following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the economy of Arkansas County faced challenges as it adapted to new labor systems and the industrialization of agriculture.
In the modern era, Arkansas County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a major emphasis on rice farming. The county is also known for its rich wildlife, as it is home to several wildlife refuges and recreational areas that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Arkansas County preserves its historical heritage through various museums, historic sites, and festivals, showcasing the significant contributions of its residents throughout history.
Arkansas County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Arkansas County, Arkansas.
- 1813 - Arkansas County is established as the first county in the Arkansas Territory.
- 1815 - The county seat is permanently established in Arkansas Post.
- 1821 - Arkansas County becomes part of the new state of Arkansas.
- 1863 - Arkansas Post falls to Union forces during the American Civil War.
- 1873 - The county seat is moved from Arkansas Post to De Witt.
- 1912 - The area of Arkansas County is greatly reduced with the creation of new counties.
- 1953 - The Arkansas River Flood damages many areas in the county.
- 1974 - The last remaining residents from the original Arkansas Post community move to Gillett.
- 1990 - The construction of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge begins in the county.
- 2020 - Arkansas County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.