Historical Marker

WPA Post Office

Historical marker location:
Osceola, Arkansas
( Marker is on West Hale Avenue, on the right when traveling west.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Arkansas.
The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 by Sam Walton, who went on to build one of the largest retail chains in the world. Today, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Arkansas random facts
Mississippi County, Arkansas has a rich history that spans back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Quapaw. European settlers began to arrive in the region in the early 1800s, with the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830 leading to the forced removal of many Native American inhabitants.

The creation of Mississippi County, named after the Mississippi River, dates back to November 1, 1833. It was one of the original five counties established when Arkansas became a state. The county seat was initially located in Jefferson, but it was later moved to Osceola in 1837. The region developed into a prosperous agricultural area with the growth of cotton, which played a significant role in the county's economy.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Mississippi County, and it saw its fair share of battles and military actions. In 1861, Union troops set up a camp in Osceola, and tensions between the Confederate and Union forces persisted throughout the war. After the war, the county faced significant challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county witnessed growth and development with the expansion of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and the construction of levees. Agriculture remained a vital industry, with cotton being the primary crop, although the county also saw the cultivation of other crops like soybeans and rice. Over time, industrial and manufacturing sectors also emerged, diversifying the county's economy.

Today, Mississippi County continues to thrive, with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. It is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse cultural heritage, making it an attractive place for visitors and residents alike.

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

  • 1815 - Mississippi County, Arkansas, is established as part of the Missouri Territory.
  • 1821 - Mississippi County becomes part of the Arkansas Territory when it is separated from Missouri.
  • 1833 - Osceola is established as the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - The Civil War impacts Mississippi County, with battles and skirmishes taking place.
  • 1882 - The railroad reaches Mississippi County, leading to increased economic growth.
  • 1927 - The Great Mississippi Flood devastates the county, causing widespread destruction.
  • 1934 - The Dyess Colony, a farming community, is established by the federal government as a relief program during the Great Depression.
  • 1944 - The Blytheville Air Force Base is established, providing a significant military presence in the county.
  • 1962 - The Interstate 55 is completed, improving transportation and connecting Mississippi County to major cities.
  • 2000 - The county experiences significant population decline and economic challenges.