First Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
Illinois is the birthplace of several famous people, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, and writer Ernest Hemingway.
European settlement of Cook County began in the late 18th century with the arrival of French explorers and traders. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the permanent settlement of the region started to take shape. In 1831, the area was officially organized as Cook County, named after Daniel Cook, an early attorney and politician.
The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1830s played a significant role in the development of Cook County. This waterway connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan, making Chicago a crucial transportation hub and contributing to its rapid growth. The county's population surged, attracting immigrants from around the world who sought work in industries like meatpacking, steel manufacturing, and brewing.
Throughout its history, Cook County has been a focal point of notable events and achievements. It was in Cook County that the iconic Chicago Fire of 1871 broke out, resulting in significant destruction but also paving the way for the city's subsequent architectural and urban redevelopment. The county was also key to the rise of the labor and civil rights movements, with significant protests and strikes occurring throughout the 20th century.
Today, Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois and home to the city of Chicago, a global center of commerce, culture, and innovation. It continues to evolve and adapt, with diverse communities, renowned cultural institutions, and a dynamic economy that contributes to its reputation as a vibrant and influential county.
Cook County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cook County, Illinois.
- 1830: Cook County is established as a separate county in the state of Illinois.
- 1835: The city of Chicago is incorporated within Cook County.
- 1840: The population of Cook County reaches over 10,000.
- 1850: The Illinois Central Railroad is completed, connecting Chicago to the rest of the country.
- 1871: The Great Chicago Fire destroys a large portion of the city, including parts of Cook County.
- 1889: The Chicago Board of Trade Building, the world's first modern skyscraper, is completed in Chicago.
- 1920: The population of Cook County surpasses 3 million.
- 1933: The beginning of the prohibition era leads to increased organized crime activities in Cook County, notably led by Al Capone.
- 1955: The construction of the Eisenhower Expressway begins, marking the start of an extensive highway system in Cook County.
- 1969: The Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) is completed in Chicago, becoming the tallest building in the world at the time.
- 1971: The Richard J. Daley Center, a prominent government building, is completed in Chicago.
- 1995: The Chicago Bulls, with Michael Jordan, win their fourth NBA championship, bringing recognition and pride to Cook County.
- 2016: Chicago experiences a surge in violence and homicides, leading to increased efforts to address and reduce crime in Cook County.