Nashville Post Office

a.k.a. HO0041

220 N. Main St., Nashville, 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.

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The Clinton Presidential Library is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is dedicated to the life and legacy of former President Bill Clinton, who was the 42nd President of the United States. The library contains more than 2 million photographs, documents, and artifacts from Clinton's presidency.
Howard County, Arkansas, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw, who left behind evidence of their presence in the form of burial mounds and archeological artifacts. In the 18th century, French explorers and traders began to visit the region, establishing peaceful relations with the native inhabitants.

The county itself was created in 1873 from parts of Pike, Polk, Hempstead, and Sevier counties. It was named after James Howard, a prominent politician and lawyer from Little Rock who had actively supported the county's formation. The county seat, Nashville, was established shortly after and named after Nashville, Tennessee. The development of Nashville and other towns in the county was closely tied to the timber industry, which played a significant role in the county's economy for many years.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Howard County experienced rapid growth and development as railroads were introduced to the area. The arrival of the Kansas City Southern Railroad in the early 1900s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, further boosting the county's economy. The timber industry continued to thrive, and the county became known for its vast forests and lumber mills.

However, like many other areas in rural America, Howard County faced economic struggles in the later part of the 20th century. Changes in the timber industry, as well as the decline of rail transportation, led to a decline in economic opportunities and population. Today, the county continues to preserve its rich history through various historical sites and museums, and its natural beauty attracts visitors who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Howard County, Arkansas.

  • 1818 - The land that is now Howard County was acquired as part of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1836 - Howard County was established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1846 - The county seat was established in Nashville.
  • 1904 - The discovery of oil in the county led to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1915 - The construction of the Nashville, Ashdown and Rio Grande Railroad brought further development to the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression led to a decline in the county's economy.
  • 1950s - The county's economy rebounded with the establishment of poultry production and processing industries.
  • 1970s - The discovery of natural gas reserves provided another economic boost to the county.
  • 1990s - The county experienced population growth and increased diversity.