August 7, 1871

The first post office was established in what became Jacksonville (it was known as Jackson Springs at the time), and Nicholas Jackson was the first postmaster. The building of the railroad ushered in wild times for Jacksonville, and saloons and a few businesses sprang up. The construction brought needed work for both the African-American and white populations. Modern-day Jacksonville is located twelve miles northeast of Little Rock (Pulaski County) in the central part of the state. Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) is located within the city limits of Jacksonville.