Berryville Post Office
a.k.a. CR0989
101 E. Madison Ave., Berryville, 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.
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, white settlers began to arrive in Carroll County, attracted by the fertile land and potential for farming. The region became part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819 and was officially organized as Carroll County in 1833. The county was named after Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
During the Civil War, Carroll County witnessed significant action as it straddled the Union and Confederate frontier. The Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862, fought in nearby Benton County, played a crucial role in securing the region for the Union. Despite being mostly pro-Confederate prior to the war, the majority of Carroll County's residents ultimately supported the Union during the conflict.
After the war, Carroll County experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 boosted the local economy, facilitating trade and transportation. The county became known for its timber and mining industries, attracting immigrants from various European countries. Today, Carroll County is a vibrant community that cherishes its history while embracing progress and development.
Carroll County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Carroll County, Arkansas.
- 1833: Carroll County, Arkansas is officially established by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature.
- 1834: The county seat is established in the town of Carrollton.
- 1836: The first courthouse is erected in Carrollton.
- 1861: On the eve of the American Civil War, Carroll County is divided into pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions.
- 1865: The Civil War ends and Carroll County begins to rebuild.
- 1875: The railroad reaches Carroll County, bringing new opportunities for commerce and trade.
- 1888: Eureka Springs, a popular tourist destination, is established in Carroll County.
- 1901: The current courthouse in Berryville is completed, replacing the one in Carrollton.
- 1962: Beaver Lake is created by the construction of Beaver Dam, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
- 1985: The historic downtown district of Eureka Springs is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2000: Carroll County's population reaches over 25,000 people.