U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
25 N. 7th St., Keokuk, IA 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.
Iowa was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Iowa state legislature passed a law allowing women to vote in school board elections. This was more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide.
The area that is now Lee County was first explored by French trappers in the late 17th century. The region changed hands multiple times between France, Spain, and ultimately the United States through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. It was named after General Charles Lee, a Revolutionary War hero, and was officially organized as a county in 1836.
Lee County played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as a vital transportation hub in the mid-1800s. The county's position along the Mississippi River made it an important stop for steamboats, which transported people and goods between the Midwest and New Orleans. As railroads became more prevalent, Lee County continued to prosper as a key junction point.
During the Civil War, Lee County was deeply divided, like many parts of the country. The county contributed soldiers to both the Union and Confederate armies, and it faced social and economic challenges due to the conflict. However, the war exposed the community to the abolitionist movement, leading to significant changes in attitudes towards slavery and race in the post-war era.
Today, Lee County is home to various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. It boasts several historical sites and attractions, such as the Keokuk National Cemetery and the Nauvoo Temple, which highlight the diverse and fascinating history of the area.
Lee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lee County, Iowa.
- 1836: Lee County was established by the Wisconsin Territory
- 1837: Fort Des Moines was built along the Mississippi River
- 1838: Keokuk was founded as the county seat
- 1839: The county government was organized
- 1840: The first courthouse was constructed in Fort Madison
- 1845: The county seat was transferred from Fort Madison to West Point
- 1847: Montrose was established as the county seat
- 1851: The county seat was transferred back to Fort Madison
- 1862: The Battle of Athens took place during the American Civil War
- 1867: The Kansas City, Burlington and Quincy Railroad reached Lee County
- 1942: The Iowa Ordinance Plant was constructed in Middletown
- 2006: The new Lee County Jail was completed in Fort Madison