Crossett Post Office
a.k.a. Paul Sullins Library; AS0094
125 Main St., Crossett, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
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.
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.
The county itself was established on November 30, 1848, named after Chester Ashley, a prominent U.S. senator from Arkansas. The first county seat was located in a small village called Ashley Court House, which later became the town of Hamburg. Like many areas in the South, Ashley County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton becoming its major cash crop. The county saw rapid growth and development during this time, with new towns and settlements being established.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Ashley County. Like many southern states, Arkansas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. The county experienced battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces sought control over the region. After the war, Ashley County faced the challenges of Reconstruction, which led to social and economic changes, including the end of slavery and the introduction of sharecropping.
In the early 20th century, Ashley County's economy diversified, with the timber industry becoming a major player. Several sawmills were established, bringing jobs and economic stability to the area. The county also saw the emergence of other industries like oil and gas, which further contributed to its growth. Today, Ashley County remains an important agricultural and industrial hub in southeastern Arkansas, with its history and heritage deeply rooted in its past.
Ashley County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ashley County, Arkansas.
- Ashley County established on November 30, 1848
- Early settlers arrived in the 1820s
- County named after Chester Ashley, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas
- Civil War begins in 1861, Ashley County supports the Confederacy
- Union soldiers occupy the county in 1863
- Reconstruction period follows the Civil War
- Timber industry booms in the late 19th century
- Railroad arrives in 1899, boosting economic development
- Great Mississippi River Flood occurs in 1927, causing significant damage
- Depression era hits the county, causing economic hardships
- World War II brings economic recovery and industrialization
- Modernization and diversification of industries in the late 20th century
- County experiences population growth and urbanization