Piggott Post Office
a.k.a. CY0033
119 N. Third St., Piggott, 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.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century because of its natural hot springs. In fact, the area was designated as Hot Springs National Park in 1921, making it the oldest national park in the United States.
In the mid-19th century, Clay County saw a significant influx of settlers, primarily from southern states, who were attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. The county's economy became centered around cotton production, with plantations and large farms dominating the landscape. Slavery was also prevalent during this time, and as a result, the Civil War had a significant impact on Clay County, as the region was heavily divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers.
After the Civil War, Clay County struggled to recover economically, but the construction of railroads in the late 19th century provided new opportunities for trade and transportation. The towns of Corning and Piggott emerged as important commercial centers, with industries such as timber, farming, and manufacturing contributing to the county's growth.
Throughout the 20th century, Clay County faced its fair share of challenges, including the Great Depression, which brought widespread poverty and hardship. However, the construction of roads and improved infrastructure in the following decades helped stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life for residents. Today, Clay County remains an important agricultural region, with a strong focus on rice and soybean production, as well as timber and manufacturing industries. The county also boasts natural attractions like the St. Francis River that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.
Clay County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clay County, Arkansas.
- 1850 - Clay County officially established as a county in Arkansas.
- 1851 - Piggott becomes the first settled community within Clay County.
- 1868 - County seat moved from Clayton to Piggott.
- 1873 - The first public school in Clay County is established in Piggott.
- 1887 - Railroad constructed through Clay County, boosting economic development.
- 1911 - Rector is incorporated as a city within Clay County.
- 1930s - Clay County significantly impacted by the Great Depression.
- 1944 - Current courthouse completed in Piggott, replacing the previous one.
- 1960s - Floods caused by heavy rainfall severely affect Clay County.
- 1990s - Clay County experiences a population decline due to economic changes.