National Register Listing

Paris Post Office

a.k.a. LO0017

206 N. Elm St., Paris, 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.

politics government post office
Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century because of its natural hot springs. In fact, the area was designated as Hot Springs National Park in 1921, making it the oldest national park in the United States.
Arkansas random facts
Logan County, Arkansas, has a rich and storied history that dates back many centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Osage and Quapaw, who were later displaced by European settlers. In the early 19th century, the region became part of Arkansas Territory, and in 1871, Logan County was officially established.

The county was named after James Logan, a prominent statesman and early settler in the area. Throughout the late 19th century, Logan County experienced a boom in population and economic growth, largely due to the expansion of the railroad through the region. The county seat, Booneville, became a hub for commerce and agriculture, with many farms and businesses flourishing.

During this time, the county also played a significant role in the timber industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the area. However, with the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century, Logan County saw a shift in its economic focus, with more emphasis on farming and livestock production.

In the present day, Logan County is a vibrant and close-knit community, with a mix of rural charm and modern amenities. It is home to beautiful natural landscapes, including the Ozark National Forest, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. The county also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing its rich culture and heritage.

Overall, Logan County's history is marked by significant growth and adaptation to changing economic trends, making it a resilient and thriving community in Arkansas.

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

  • 1841: Logan County is founded and named after James Logan, a member of the United States Congress.
  • 1861-1865: Logan County is greatly impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1879: Booneville becomes the county seat of Logan County.
  • 1901: Paris becomes the new county seat of Logan County.
  • 1937: The Blue Mountain Lake is built, which serves as a popular recreational area for locals and tourists.
  • 1963: The Arkansas River Valley Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to the rural areas of Logan County.
  • 1980s: A significant decline in coal mining activity occurs in the region.
  • 2011: The city of Booneville celebrates its 125th anniversary.
  • 2019: Logan County continues to be a vibrant community with a growing tourism industry.