National Register Listing

Federal Building-U.S. Post Office and Court House

a.k.a. Hot Springs Federal Building; Site #GA0863

100 Reserve St., Hot Springs, AR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
  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.

architecture post office
The Battle of Helena, which took place in Helena, Arkansas, in July 1863, was one of the largest Civil War battles fought in the state. Union forces were able to repel a Confederate attack, which helped secure control of the Mississippi River for the Union.
Arkansas random facts
Garland County, Arkansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Osage, Quapaw, and Cherokee. Evidence of these early inhabitants can be found in the form of burial mounds and artifacts throughout the county.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. One of the most significant events in Garland County's history was the establishment of Hot Springs as a health and leisure destination. The discovery of thermal springs with healing properties attracted visitors from all over the country, leading to the development of the city and the construction of bathhouses, hotels, and other amenities.

During the Civil War, Garland County experienced its fair share of conflict. Although predominantly pro-Union, many residents were divided in their loyalties. The Battle of Hot Springs, which took place in 1862, saw Union forces successfully repel a Confederate attack and maintain control of the area.

In the years following the war, Garland County continued to grow and evolve. The city of Hot Springs became known for its entertainment and gambling industry, attracting famous figures such as Al Capone and Babe Ruth. Today, the county remains a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its historical sites, enjoy natural beauty, and indulge in the healing waters of Hot Springs National Park.

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

  • 1800 - Native American tribes, such as the Quapaw, inhabit the land that will become Garland County.
  • 1807 - The United States acquires the land from the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1832 - The Quapaw Tribe signs a treaty with the US government, ceding their land to the government to make way for European American settlement.
  • 1832 - Garland County is established and named after Augustus H. Garland, who served as the attorney general under President Grover Cleveland.
  • 1836 - The first permanent settlers arrive in Garland County, primarily from the southern states.
  • 1836 - The county's first post office is established in Hot Springs, the county seat.
  • 1875 - The Hot Springs National Park is established, becoming the first national reserve in the US.
  • 1892 - The first electric streetcar system is installed in Hot Springs, connecting the city's different areas.
  • 1913 - The Fordyce Bathhouse opens, becoming one of the most luxurious bathhouses in Hot Springs.
  • 1920s - Hot Springs becomes a popular destination for organized crime figures, who open illegal gambling establishments and casinos.
  • 1940s - 1950s - The decline of illegal gambling leads to the growth of the tourism industry in Hot Springs, focusing on family-friendly attractions and natural thermal springs.
  • 1983 - The Central Avenue Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing the city's historic architecture.
  • 2010 - The population of Garland County reaches over 96,000 people, marking significant growth over the years.