U. S. Post Office
a.k.a. Main Post Office
104 Jefferson St., Mansfield, LA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. The fair featured exhibits from around the world and introduced several new inventions and products to the public, including the ice cream cone and Dr Pepper soft drink.
The area was first explored by the Spanish in the 16th century, but it was not until the early 19th century that American settlers began to arrive in De Soto Parish. The parish was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who reportedly passed through the area in 1542. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 opened up the region to American settlement, and pioneers began to establish plantations and farms along the Red River.
De Soto Parish played a significant role in the Civil War. It saw several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Mansfield in 1864, where Confederate forces under General Richard Taylor successfully repelled Union troops. The area was also deeply affected by Reconstruction, as freed slaves and white Southerners sought to adjust to the changing political and social landscape.
In the 20th century, De Soto Parish experienced significant economic growth with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. The oil boom brought with it a period of prosperity and development, leading to the establishment of towns and industrial facilities. Today, De Soto Parish continues to thrive as an important agricultural, industrial, and energy-producing hub in northwest Louisiana.
De Soto Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of De Soto Parish, Louisiana.
- 1805: De Soto Parish is created by the Territorial Legislature of Orleans
- 1843: The first courthouse is built in Mansfield
- 1861: De Soto Parish secedes from the Union and joins the Confederacy during the Civil War
- 1871: The city of Mansfield is incorporated
- 1898: The Great Southern Lumber Company is established in Mansfield, sparking a boom in the timber industry
- 1915: Oil is discovered in De Soto Parish, leading to an economic boom
- 1935: The Louisiana Maneuvers, a series of military exercises, take place in De Soto Parish
- 1984: The Mansfield Female College Alumni and Friends Association is formed to preserve the city's historic female college building
- 2005: De Soto Parish is heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina, causing widespread damage and displacement
- 2018: The population of De Soto Parish is estimated to be around 27,000 people
- 2020: De Soto Parish celebrates its 215th anniversary