Historical Marker

Former U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:
18 West Benton Street, Aurora, Illinois
( Marker is on West Benton Street, 0.2 miles east of South Lake Street (State Route 31), on the right when traveling east.)

Downtown Heritage Tour. 1

  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.

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo originally housed a pair of swans, but it has since grown to house over 1,000 animals from around the world.
Illinois random facts
Kane County, Illinois has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Fox nations, prior to European settlement. European explorers first came to the area in the 17th century, with French traders establishing relations with the native tribes.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Kane County, seeking new opportunities and fertile land. The first permanent settlement was established in 1834 by Joseph McCarthy, who built a log cabin in present-day St. Charles. Over the next few decades, more settlers arrived and the population grew steadily.

Kane County officially became a county in 1836, carved out of neighboring LaSalle County. It was named after Elias Kane, a United States Senator from Illinois. The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, thanks to its proximity to Chicago and the development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and canals.

The 20th century brought further expansion and industrialization to Kane County. Agriculture remained important to the economy, with corn and soybeans as major crops. The county also became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the cities of Aurora and Elgin. Today, Kane County is a diverse and vibrant community, known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic downtown areas, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kane County, Illinois.

  • 1836 - Kane County is officially established on January 16.
  • 1837 - The first settlement in Kane County is established in Geneva.
  • 1838 - The first courthouse is built in St. Charles.
  • 1839 - The first newspaper, the Aurora Beacon, is published in Aurora.
  • 1841 - The first railroad reaches Kane County, connecting Chicago and Elgin.
  • 1844 - The town of Elgin is officially incorporated.
  • 1850 - The county population reaches over 16,000.
  • 1851 - The first public high school in Illinois is established in Elgin.
  • 1855 - The Elgin Watch Company is founded.
  • 1862 - The American Civil War begins, and many residents of Kane County enlist in the Union Army.
  • 1869 - The Illinois State Mental Hospital (now Elgin Mental Health Center) opens in Elgin.
  • 1872 - The Chicago and North Western Railway connects Elgin to Chicago.
  • 1900 - The county population reaches over 56,000.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, causing hardship for many residents.
  • 1943 - The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is established near Batavia.
  • 1956 - The Kane County Fair begins its annual tradition in St. Charles.
  • 1970 - The county population exceeds 250,000.
  • 1992 - The Chicago Premium Outlets open in Aurora, boosting the local economy.
  • 2007 - The Kane County Cougars win their first Midwest League Championship.