U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
200 N. 8th St., Quincy, IL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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 famous Route 66, one of the first highways in the U.S., passed through Illinois. The highway, which stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, was a popular route for tourists and truckers and played an important role in American culture and history.
In the early years of settlement, Adams County played a significant role in the development of Illinois as a state. The first permanent European settlers in the region were French traders, who established trading posts along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. As American settlers began to arrive, the county quickly grew in population and economic activity.
The city of Quincy, which is the county seat of Adams County, became a major hub for steamboat traffic on the Mississippi River during the mid-19th century. The river served as a vital transportation route, connecting the area to larger markets in St. Louis and New Orleans. This led to the rise of industries such as lumber, brick making, and manufacturing in the county.
During the Civil War, Adams County played a critical role in supporting the Union cause. Quincy became a strategic location for military recruitment and supply, and many residents joined the Union Army. The county also served as one of the many stops on the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven for escaped slaves seeking freedom.
In more recent years, Adams County has continued to thrive as a center for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county is known for its fertile farmland, producing a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Quincy has also become a regional hub for healthcare, with numerous hospitals and medical facilities serving the area.
Today, Adams County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a rich history that is celebrated and preserved through its numerous historical sites and museums. The county's strategic location on the Mississippi River, its contributions to the Union cause during the Civil War, and its agricultural and industrial sectors continue to shape its present-day identity.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Illinois.
- 1825: Adams County, IL is established
- 1839: Quincy becomes the county seat
- 1841: The Mormon Temple is built in Nauvoo
- 1861-1865: Adams County residents serve in the American Civil War
- 1871: Quincy suffers a destructive fire
- 1898: The Adams County Courthouse is completed
- 1920: The Lock and Dam No. 21 is constructed along the Mississippi River
- 1940: The Great River Road is established in Adams County
- 1954: Interstate 172 is completed, connecting Quincy to the Interstate Highway System
- 1979: The Quincy Notre Dame High School is founded
- 1993: The Great River Bridge is opened between Quincy and West Quincy