National Register Listing

Van Buren Post Office

a.k.a. CW0030

22 S. Seventh St., Van Buren, AR
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 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.

politics government post office
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.
Arkansas random facts
Crawford County, Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. It was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Cherokee, who thrived in the area before the arrival of European settlers. The region became a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

In the early 19th century, European-American settlers began to establish communities in what is now Crawford County. The population grew rapidly with the coming of the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, which brought much-needed transportation and trade opportunities to the area. During the Civil War, Crawford County witnessed significant military activity, including skirmishes and the Battle of Van Buren in 1862.

The late 19th century saw Crawford County's economy largely dependent on agriculture, with cotton being the predominant crop. The construction of railroads during this time further bolstered economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods to larger markets. In the early 20th century, the county's economy diversified with the emergence of coal mining and lumber industries, which played a crucial role in driving the local economy for decades.

Over the years, Crawford County continued to develop and evolve. Today, it is home to a diverse population and a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Its historical sites and scenic beauty attract visitors from across the country, providing a glimpse into its vibrant past and promising future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Crawford County, Arkansas.

  • 1817 - Crawford County is established as part of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1820 - The population of Crawford County reaches over 1,000 residents.
  • 1837 - Van Buren becomes the county seat of Crawford County.
  • 1861-1865 - Crawford County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - The first railroad, the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad, reaches Crawford County.
  • 1875 - The city of Alma is incorporated in Crawford County.
  • 1905 - The Crawford County Courthouse is built in Van Buren.
  • 1927 - A devastating flood hits Van Buren, causing significant damage to the city.
  • 1942-1945 - Crawford County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1983 - The Crawford County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the county's history.