U. S. Post Office
1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.
The county was officially established in 1830 and named after Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois. During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with farmers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. The county also became known for its prominent agricultural fairs and exhibitions, which showcased the latest farming techniques and technology.
Coles County saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the construction of railroads, which opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became an important hub for the Illinois Central Railroad, attracting industries such as coal mining and manufacturing. Charleston, the county seat, experienced rapid development as a result, with the establishment of businesses, schools, and a growing population.
In the 20th century, Coles County continued to evolve, experiencing both the challenges and successes of a changing economy. The decline of coal mining in the region led to the loss of jobs and economic downturn. However, the county managed to diversify its economy, attracting new industries such as healthcare, education, and retail. Today, Coles County is known for its vibrant communities, natural beauty, and a balance between its rich history and a vision for the future.
Coles County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Coles County, Illinois.
- 1816 - Coles County is established as a county in Illinois.
- 1821 - The first settlement in Coles County is made by Thomas Russell.
- 1830 - Coles County experiences significant growth with the arrival of the National Road.
- 1831 - The town of Charleston is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1858 - The Illinois Central Railroad is completed, further boosting the county's growth.
- 1877 - Eastern Illinois University (then known as Eastern Illinois Normal School) is founded in Charleston.
- 1919 - The Charleston Riot, a race riot, occurs in Coles County.
- 1977 - Coles County celebrates its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).
- 1996 - Coles County becomes a participant in the Illinois Main Street Program.
- 2019 - Coles County celebrates its bicentennial (200th anniversary).