National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

a.k.a. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

100 NE. Monroe St., Peoria, IL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
  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.

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.

architecture law courthouses buildings
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
Peoria County, Illinois has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region. The area was first explored by Europeans in the late 17th century, with French explorers navigating the Illinois River and establishing trade relationships with the local tribes. In the early 19th century, the United States government began to establish settlements in the area, leading to the founding of Peoria County in 1825.

During the mid-19th century, Peoria County experienced rapid growth and development, thanks in part to its strategic location along the Illinois River. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further fueled its growth, making Peoria County an important transportation hub for the region. This period saw the establishment of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and distilleries, which contributed to the county's economic prosperity.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peoria County had become a prominent industrial center. The county's economy continued to thrive, primarily due to the distilling, brewing, and manufacturing industries. The county's largest employer at the time was the whiskey producer Hiram Walker & Sons, which played a significant role in shaping Peoria County's identity.

In the late 20th century, Peoria County faced economic challenges as the manufacturing industry declined across the United States. However, the county has since diversified its economy and focused on sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. Today, Peoria County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and rural areas, and a population that continues to embrace its rich history while striving for a prosperous future.

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

  • 1690 - French explorers first documented the presence of Native American tribes in the area.
  • 1813 - Fort Clark, a military post, was built by the United States Army.
  • 1825 - Peoria County was established as part of the Illinois Territory.
  • 1831 - The city of Peoria became the county seat.
  • 1844 - The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad reached Peoria, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1850 - The population of Peoria County exceeded 19,000.
  • 1860 - Peoria became the largest city in Illinois, outside of Chicago.
  • 1920 - The Ku Klux Klan gained influence in Peoria County.
  • 1933 - The Caterpillar Tractor Company was founded in Peoria, becoming a major employer.
  • 1947 - The Illinois River flooded, causing significant damage to Peoria and surrounding areas.
  • 1979 - The Peoria Riverfront Museum opened, showcasing art, science, and history.
  • 2010 - The population of Peoria County reached approximately 186,000.