Old Post Office
City Sq., Fayetteville, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 establishment of Washington County can be credited to the Fayetteville Settlement, which was founded in 1828 by European-American pioneers. The county was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Settlers quickly began to cultivate the fertile land, transforming the area into an agricultural hub. With the construction of the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, Washington County became a major stop along the trail, further boosting its economy and population.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Washington County. As part of the divided border state of Arkansas, the county witnessed guerrilla warfare, confrontations between Union and Confederate forces, and the devastating Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862. Despite the destruction and loss of life during this time, Washington County gradually recovered and experienced post-war growth due to the rise of railroads and the expansion of educational institutions like the University of Arkansas.
In the 20th century, Washington County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The construction of the Beaver Dam and reservoir in the 1960s brought hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities to the area. The county also saw a shift from an exclusively agricultural economy to a more diverse one, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail becoming prominent. Today, Washington County stands as a vibrant community, known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving arts scene, and the University of Arkansas, which has become a leading educational institution in the state.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Arkansas.
- 1828 - Washington County, Arkansas is established as one of the original counties of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1836 - Fayetteville is chosen as the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Washington County is greatly affected by the American Civil War with numerous battles and military activity in the area.
- 1897 - The University of Arkansas is established in Fayetteville.
- 1950s - Washington County experiences significant growth and development due to an increase in industrialization and population.
- 1970s - Northwest Arkansas becomes a hub for retail and transportation, leading to further economic growth in Washington County.
- 2000s - Washington County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Arkansas, with a booming economy and population.