McGehee Post Office
a.k.a. Site #DE0287
201 N. Second St., McGehee, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
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 was one of the first states in the U.S. to enact a statewide prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol, passing the law in 1915. Prohibition was repealed in the state in 1933, shortly after the end of the nationwide prohibition era.
The county was officially established in 1838 and named after Captain Benjamin Desha, a hero of the War of 1812. During the antebellum period, Desha County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton becoming the dominant crop. Slavery was prevalent, and many wealthy planters resided in the county. The Civil War brought significant changes, as the region was occupied by Union troops and experienced economic disruption.
Following the war, Desha County struggled to recover economically. Reconstruction brought political and social challenges, and the emergence of the sharecropping system further complicated matters for the predominantly rural county. However, in the late 19th century, the county's economy started to stabilize with the construction of railroads and the development of timber and lumber industries.
Throughout the 20th century, Desha County continued to rely on agriculture, particularly cotton and soybeans. The county faced challenges during the Great Depression and World War II but rebounded economically in the post-war years. Today, Desha County remains primarily rural, with a focus on agriculture. It is known for its natural beauty, fertile farmland, and historical sites, which attract tourists interested in learning about the county's unique history.
Desha County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Desha County, Arkansas.
- 1813: Desha County established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
- 1838: Desha County became a part of the new state of Arkansas.
- 1861-1865: Desha County residents served in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- Late 19th century: Desha County experienced growth due to the expansion of the railroad.
- Early 20th century: Agriculture became the main economic activity in Desha County, with cotton being the primary crop.
- 1927: Floodwaters from the Mississippi River devastated Desha County, leading to significant damage and loss of life.
- Mid-20th century: Desha County saw a decline in agricultural activity and population due to mechanization and changing economic conditions.
- 1970s-1990s: Desha County experienced economic challenges and population decline, with many young people leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.
- 2010s: Efforts to revitalize Desha County's economy through tourism, agriculture diversification, and community development initiatives.