Historical Marker

Margaretta Post Office

Historical marker location:
Westfield, Illinois
( Marker is on East Clarksville Road (County Route 2150 N) 0.6 miles east of North 580th Street, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1968

  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 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.

Abraham Lincoln, one of the most famous presidents in U.S. history, spent much of his early political career in Illinois. He served in the Illinois state legislature and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois in 1846.
Illinois random facts
Clark County, Illinois, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo, Fox, and Piankeshaw tribes. In the early 1800s, French explorers and fur traders established trading posts in the region, making it a hub for the fur trade. However, as European settlers began to move into the area, conflicts with the Native American tribes arose.

In 1818, Clark County was officially established and named after George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero. The county's first permanent settlement, Charleston, was founded in 1826 by four brothers: William, James, Mathew, and Samuel Bigham. The town quickly grew and became a prominent trading center due to its location near the Embarras River. Agriculture, including corn and wheat farming, became the main economic driver in the county.

During the Civil War, Clark County sent many of its young men to fight for the Union, and Charleston served as a recruitment and training center. The county played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with many abolitionists living in the area and helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Clark County experienced further economic growth with the expansion of railroad lines, which facilitated trade and transportation. In addition to agriculture, coal mining became an essential industry in the county, contributing to its economic prosperity.

Today, Clark County retains its agricultural roots while embracing modern industries and technologies. Its history is celebrated through various museums, historical sites, and events, allowing residents and visitors to connect with the county's past and appreciate its role in shaping the state of Illinois.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clark County, Illinois.

  • 1819 - Clark County established as one of the original counties in the state of Illinois
  • 1835 - County seat moved from Parker's Prairie to Darwin
  • 1849 - Village of Marshall founded as new county seat
  • 1855 - First railroad, the Terre Haute and Alton, completed in the county
  • 1861 - Clark County supports the Union during the Civil War
  • 1873 - Marshall becomes an incorporated city
  • 1904 - Discovery of oil leads to a boom in the county's economy
  • 1925 - Lincoln Trail State Park opens, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors
  • 1931 - Clark County suffers significant damage from the Great Flood
  • 1942 - Construction begins on the Greenup Lock and Dam on the Embarras River
  • 1969 - Red Hills State Park established near Sumner
  • 1984 - Clark County Historical Society Museum opens in Marshall