United States Post Office and Courthouse
a.k.a. Melvin Price Federal Building and United States Courthouse
750 Missouri Ave., East Saint Louis, IL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
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 world's first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1884. It was only 10 stories tall, but it was the first building to use a steel frame to support its weight, which allowed it to be much taller than traditional buildings made of brick or stone.
In 1763, the area came under British control following the French and Indian War. However, after the American Revolutionary War, the region was ceded to the new United States as part of the Northwest Territory. St. Clair County was officially established in 1790 and named after Arthur St. Clair, a Revolutionary War officer. It was one of the first counties in the Illinois Territory and included a vast area that extended beyond the borders of present-day Illinois.
Throughout the 19th century, St. Clair County experienced significant growth and development. The county became a transportation hub with the opening of the National Road in the early 1830s, which connected the region to the eastern seaboard. The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s further enhanced transportation in the area.
St. Clair County was also a key player in the industrial revolution. Coal mining became a major industry in the county, with numerous mines opening in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's proximity to St. Louis, Missouri, and its growing industrialization also contributed to St. Clair County's growth.
Today, St. Clair County continues to thrive as an important economic and cultural center in Illinois. It is home to major cities and towns, including Belleville, East St. Louis, and O'Fallon. The county boasts a diverse population and offers a multitude of attractions and amenities, from historical sites to recreational opportunities. Its rich history plays an important role in shaping the county's identity and continues to be celebrated by its residents.
St. Clair County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Clair County, Illinois.
- 1790 - St. Clair County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
- 1809 - Illinois Territory is created, and St. Clair County is incorporated as part of the new territory.
- 1818 - Illinois becomes a state, and St. Clair County remains a part of it.
- 1820 - Belleville is established as the county seat of St. Clair County.
- 1841 - St. Clair County experiences a severe cholera epidemic, resulting in many deaths.
- 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and St. Clair County contributes soldiers to the Union Army.
- 1945 - Scott Air Force Base is established in St. Clair County, bringing economic growth to the area.
- 1974 - East St. Louis faces a financial crisis, leading to the creation of the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department to manage federal funds.
- 2010 - St. Clair County's population reaches over 270,000, and it remains an important part of the state of Illinois.