Monticello Post Office
a.k.a. DR0018
211 W. Gaines St., Monticello, 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.
In the early 20th century, Arkansas became a major producer of rice, thanks to the development of new varieties of rice that could thrive in the state's humid climate. Today, Arkansas is one of the largest producers of rice in the U.S.
The county itself was established on November 26, 1846, named in honor of Thomas S. Drew, the third governor of Arkansas. The remote and fertile land attracted settlers, primarily from the southern United States, who began cultivating cotton and other crops, leading to a boom in agricultural production. The county quickly developed into an important center for the timber and lumber industries, with numerous sawmills and steam-powered planing mills being established.
The American Civil War had a significant impact on Drew County. Like many areas in the South, the county experienced divisions between Confederate and Union sympathizers. While the majority of residents supported the Confederacy, there were several guerrilla warfare incidents and clashes between Confederate and Union troops. After the war, Drew County went through a period of reconstruction and rebuilding, as the economy adjusted to post-war conditions.
In the 20th century, Drew County experienced various changes and developments. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century led to increased accessibility and facilitated trade, boosting the local economy. The county also saw the growth of educational institutions, such as the establishment of the Arkansas A&M College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Today, Drew County continues to be an agricultural and educational hub in Arkansas, maintaining its historical significance while embracing progress and growth.
Drew County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Drew County, Arkansas.
- 1815: Drew County, Arkansas is established.
- 1824: The county seat is established in the town of Monticello.
- 1829: The first courthouse in Drew County is built in Monticello.
- 1836: The county's first newspaper, the Monticello Advocate, is established.
- 1852: The first railroad line is built in Drew County.
- 1861: Drew County residents vote in favor of secession and support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- 1870: Drew County's population reaches over 8,000.
- 1905: Monticello A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) is established.
- 1933: The Monticello Post-Dispatch newspaper begins publication.
- 1947: Monticello A&M College becomes the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
- 1986: The Drew County Historical Museum opens in Monticello.
- 2002: The Drew County Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary.