United States Post Office and Court House
a.k.a. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
131 E. 4th St., Davenport, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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 explorers Lewis and Clark passed through Iowa in 1804 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean, but they didn't actually set foot on Iowa soil. The expedition traveled along the western border of Iowa, which was then part of the Missouri Territory.
In the early 19th century, Scott County was part of the vast Louisiana Purchase territory, acquired by the United States from France. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the 1820s, drawn to the fertile land along the Mississippi River. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812.
During the mid-19th century, Scott County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s brought increased trade and industry to the area. Davenport, the county seat, became an important trading center and hub of commerce.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of innovation and progress in Scott County. The advent of the electric streetcar in the 1880s revolutionized transportation in the region. Davenport also became known as a center of healthcare and education, with the establishment of several hospitals and educational institutions. The county faced challenges during World War I and the Great Depression but rebounded in the post-war era with the growth of manufacturing industries.
Today, Scott County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. Its rich history is celebrated through numerous historic sites and museums, including the historical Village of East Davenport and the Figge Art Museum. The county remains an important agricultural center, with farming and agribusiness playing a significant role in its economy.
Scott County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Scott County, Iowa.
- 1835: Scott County is established
- 1836: Davenport, the county seat, is founded
- 1838: First courthouse in Scott County is built
- 1840: Scott County's population reaches 3,000
- 1856: Scott County Agricultural Society is formed
- 1862: First railroad reaches Scott County
- 1873: Palmer College of Chiropractic is founded in Davenport
- 1886: First electric streetcar begins operation in Davenport
- 1912: Black Hawk State Historic Site opens in Rock Island
- 1927: Davenport Municipal Airport opens
- 1933: Frederick W. Woodward Architecture Firm is established
- 1968: Putnam Museum and Science Center opens in Davenport
- 1980: Figge Art Museum is founded in Davenport
- 1990: Population of Scott County surpasses 150,000
- 2005: Scott County Jail is completed