Morrilton Post Office
a.k.a. CN0016
117 N. Division St., Morrilton, 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.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 opened up the region to American settlement. John Cunningham established the first permanent settlement in the area that would become Conway County in 1809. The county was officially established in 1825 and named after Henry Wharton Conway, a prominent politician from Arkansas Territory.
During the Civil War, Conway County experienced both Union and Confederate occupation. The Battle of Lewisburg took place in the county in 1864, with Confederate troops attempting to stop Union forces from advancing further into Arkansas. In the latter part of the war, Union troops were stationed in the county, and the town of Lewisburg was burned as a result of guerrilla warfare.
Following the war, Conway County saw rapid growth and development. The completion of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad in the 1870s provided improved transportation and boosted economic activity. Agriculture, specifically cotton farming and timber production, became the mainstay of the county's economy.
In the early 20th century, Conway County experienced growth in transportation infrastructure, with the construction of highways and the establishment of public schools. The construction of Nimrod Dam on the Arkansas River in the 1940s further contributed to the county's economic growth by providing hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities.
Today, Conway County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing services sector. The county is known for its natural beauty, with the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas River providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Conway County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Conway County, Arkansas.
- 1825 - Conway County is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1831 - Morrilton becomes the county seat of Conway County.
- 1861-1865 - Conway County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
- 1873 - Arkansas River floods cause significant damage to the county.
- 1890 - The railroad reaches Morrilton, improving transportation and facilitating economic growth.
- 1933 - Petit Jean State Park is established in Conway County.
- 1948 - The Toad Suck Ferry is replaced by the Toad Suck Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River.
- 1977 - The Morrilton Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1996 - The Conway County Museum is established in Morrilton.