Historical Marker

Post Office Plaza

Historical marker location:
150 North Scott Street, Joliet, Illinois
( Marker is at the intersection of East Clinton Street and North Scott Street (Illinois Route 53), on the right when traveling west on East Clinton Street.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Illinois.
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
Will County, located in northeastern Illinois, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa, who relied on the plentiful natural resources found in the region. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlers arriving in the 1820s.

In 1836, Will County was officially established as a separate county, named after Dr. Conrad Will, a prominent politician and physician. The creation of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s played a significant role in the county's development, connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River and promoting economic growth in the area. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with farms producing a wide range of crops, including corn, wheat, and livestock.

The late 19th century brought rapid industrialization to Will County, fueled by the expansion of the railroad system and the discovery of natural resources such as coal and limestone. This led to the establishment of numerous mining operations and manufacturing industries, propelling the county into an era of economic prosperity.

In the 20th century, Will County continued to grow and diversify its economy. The construction of major highways, like Interstate 55 and Interstate 80, facilitated transportation and attracted businesses to the area. Today, the county is known for its thriving manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors, with a population that has steadily increased over the years.

Overall, Will County's history reflects its transition from a predominantly rural, agricultural region to a more urbanized and industrialized area, while still retaining its connections to its Native American roots and natural surroundings.

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

  • 1673: French explorers Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette pass through the area.
  • 1836: Will County is established as a county in the state of Illinois.
  • 1838: The city of Joliet is founded and serves as the county seat.
  • 1846: The Illinois and Michigan Canal is completed, connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River and boosting economic growth in the county.
  • 1855: The Chicago and Alton Railroad reaches Joliet, further spurring industrial and population growth.
  • 1919: Joliet Prison, now known as Stateville Correctional Center, opens.
  • 1926: Route 66 is designated, passing through Will County and bringing increased traffic and commerce.
  • 1960: Joliet becomes the fastest-growing city in the United States.
  • 1970: The construction of the Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 interchange further enhances transportation in the region.
  • 2000: Will County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.