Jonesboro U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. CG0045; Church Street Station
524 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
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 musical heritage, including the development of blues, rockabilly, and country music. Notable musicians from the state include Johnny Cash, Levon Helm, and Al Green.
The area that would later become Craighead County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Osage and Quapaw. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant resources. The first permanent settlement in Craighead County was established in 1813 by Benjamin Crowley and his family near what is now Crowley's Ridge State Park.
In the mid-19th century, Craighead County experienced significant growth with the arrival of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad in 1873. The railroad helped to connect the county to other major cities and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. This led to the establishment of several new towns, including Jonesboro, the county seat, and a significant increase in population.
Over the years, Craighead County has become a hub of education, commerce, and agriculture. It is home to Arkansas State University, which was founded as the First District Agricultural School in 1909 and has since grown into a major institution. The county's agricultural sector has also thrived, with cotton, soybeans, and rice being major crops cultivated in the fertile Delta region.
Today, Craighead County continues to grow and develop, with a diverse economy and a vibrant community. It has preserved and celebrated its rich history while embracing progress and innovation, making it a dynamic and attractive place to live and work.
Craighead County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Craighead County, Arkansas.
- 1859 - Craighead County is established as the 32nd county in Arkansas.
- 1861-1865 - Craighead County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1873 - The city of Jonesboro is incorporated.
- 1883 - Arkansas State University (formerly Arkansas State College) is founded in Jonesboro.
- 1910 - Crowley's Ridge State Park is established as a recreational area.
- 1942-1945 - During World War II, the Japanese American internment camp, Jerome War Relocation Center, is located in the northern part of Craighead County.
- 1973 - The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center is opened in Piggott.
- 1998 - The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library opens its doors.
- 2011 - A devastating EF-4 tornado hits the city of Jonesboro, causing widespread destruction.