Walnut Ridge Post Office, Old
225 W. Main St., Walnut Ridge, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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.
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.
During the early 1800s, Lawrence County became part of the Arkansas Territory after the Louisiana Purchase. The first European-American settler to establish a permanent home in the county was Benjamin Crow, who arrived in 1814. Shortly after, more settlers ventured into the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The county's name is believed to be in honor of James Lawrence, a captain in the United States Navy who played a significant role in the War of 1812. Lawrence County officially became a county in 1815, and Walnut Ridge was designated as its county seat in 1852.
Lawrence County played a notable role in the Civil War, with many residents supporting the Confederacy. The county saw several military engagements, such as the Battle of Pitman's Ferry in 1863. Despite being occupied by Union forces during the latter part of the war, Lawrence County remained predominantly Confederate in its sympathies.
Throughout its history, Lawrence County experienced economic growth and development in various industries, including farming, mining, and timber. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Lawrence County continues to be a vibrant community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of heritage.
Lawrence County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lawrence County, Arkansas.
- 1815 - Lawrence County, Arkansas is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1821 - The county seat is designated at Davidsonville, which becomes a prominent trading post on the Black River.
- 1835 - The county seat is moved to Clover Bend, which becomes a thriving community along the Old Military Road.
- 1849 - Powhatan, located on the Black River, becomes the new county seat and remains so to this day.
- Late 1800s - Lawrence County experiences significant growth due to the timber industry, with many sawmills and logging operations being established.
- 1937 - The Black River flood devastates the county, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and the development of agriculture contribute to the county's economic growth.
- 1973 - The Lawrence County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the history of the county.
- 2000s - Lawrence County continues to be a rural community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.