Texarkana US Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. Texarkana U.S. Post Office and Federal Building
Fifth St. and State Line Ave., Texarkana, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
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 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.
The county was officially established on April 1, 1820, and was named after James Miller, the territorial governor of Arkansas at the time. Early settlement was centered around the Red River, which served as an important transportation route for trade and commerce. The county grew rapidly in population as more people migrated to the area, primarily for farming and trading opportunities.
During the Civil War, Miller County was deeply divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. Several skirmishes and battles took place in the area, with the county experiencing a significant impact from the war. After the war, the economy of Miller County gradually recovered, and the area continued to develop as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming a major crop.
In the 20th century, Miller County saw continued growth and expansion. The discovery of oil in the region in the early 1920s brought new prosperity to the area, attracting both oil companies and workers. The discovery of sulfur in the 1950s further boosted the local economy. Today, Miller County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production. The county is also home to several natural attractions, such as Millwood Lake and the Red River, which continue to draw visitors and contribute to the county's rich history and heritage.
Miller County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Miller County, Arkansas.
- 1818: Miller County, AR is established as a county, named after James Miller, the first governor of Arkansas Territory.
- 1850: The county seat is officially established in the town of Texarkana.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Miller County is divided, with a portion supporting the Union and the other supporting the Confederacy.
- 1874: The Cairo and Fulton Railroad connects Texarkana to Little Rock, increasing the county's economic growth.
- 1876: The Texarkana National Bank, the first bank in the county, is established.
- 1884: The Texarkana Daily Gazette begins publication, becoming the first newspaper in Miller County.
- 1895: The Hotel Grim, an iconic landmark, is built in downtown Texarkana.
- 1927: The Texarkana Regional Airport is opened, providing air travel services to the county.
- 1930-1950: The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges, but the county experiences some growth due to military bases and defense industries.
- 1965: The Wright Patman Dam is completed, creating Wright Patman Lake, a popular recreational area.
- 1990: Miller County's population reaches over 40,000 residents.