Fort Smith US Post Office and Courthouse
30 S. Sixth St., Fort Smith, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
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 Ozark National Forest covers more than 1 million acres in northern Arkansas and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The forest contains numerous hiking trails, camping areas, and scenic drives.
In the early 1800s, the U.S. government relocated Native American tribes from the southeastern states to present-day Oklahoma, including the removal of the Quapaw from the area that is now Sebastian County. This paved the way for European-American settlers to move in and establish towns and communities.
Sebastian County was officially established in 1851 and named after William K. Sebastian, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Fort Smith Military Road in the 1830s, connecting the area to Fort Smith and the Mississippi River.
During the American Civil War, Sebastian County experienced significant turmoil. Located near the border between the Union and Confederate states, the county was the site of several skirmishes and battles. Fort Smith, a key strategic location, changed hands several times during the war. After the war, the county gradually recovered, and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced growth and development as an agricultural and industrial region.
Today, Sebastian County is a thriving area, with a diverse economy and a population of over 125,000 residents. It is home to Fort Smith, the county seat, a historically-rich city that preserves its heritage while embracing modern progress. The county boasts scenic natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community that continues to shape its history.
Sebastian County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sebastian County, Arkansas.
- 1818 - Sebastian County is established by the Arkansas territorial legislature.
- 1832 - The Choctaw Nation is removed from the county as part of the Indian Removal Act.
- 1852 - Fort Smith becomes the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Sebastian County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1872 - The county courthouse in Fort Smith is completed.
- 1898 - The Ouachita and Ozark National Forests are established, covering parts of Sebastian County.
- 1973 - The Fort Smith National Historic Site is established.
- 1996 - The federal government recognizes the Fort Smith National Cemetery as an official national cemetery.