Quincy history

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Quincy dates back to 1819, when John Wood, who later became a prominent politician and Governor of Illinois, purchased land here and built the first log cabin. The city officially received its name in 1825, when Adams County was formed and the settlement became its administrative centre. The city was named in honour of the sixth President of the USA — John Quincy Adams.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several important circumstances:

• Geography: The city is situated on high limestone bluffs above the Mississippi River. This strategic location provided natural protection against floods and earned Quincy the nickname "The Gem City".
• Trade: Thanks to convenient access to the river, Quincy quickly became a key port in the steamboat era. The river served as the main transport artery, allowing for active trade and passenger transport, rivalling even Chicago in importance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the mid-19th century, the city experienced rapid growth, forming its unique socio-economic profile:

• German Influence: A significant influx of immigrants from Germany had a tremendous impact on the city's appearance. The new residents brought their traditions, mastery in brick construction, and brewing industry heritage, which is still noticeable in the historical architecture of the South Side German Historic District.
• Industry: The economy of early Quincy was based on processing agricultural products, flour production, and wagon manufacturing, making it one of the industrial centres of the Midwest.
• Humanitarian Role: The city is also known for its historical role as a sanctuary for settlers and an important stop on the "Underground Railroad" route, helping people find freedom.

Chronology of Events

• 1819: John Wood arrives in the territory of the future city and builds the first log dwelling.
• 1825: The settlement is officially named Quincy in honour of US President John Quincy Adams and becomes the county seat.
• 1834: Quincy is officially incorporated as a town with its own governance.
• 1839: Residents of the city provide refuge and aid to thousands of Mormons forced to leave the state of Missouri.
• 1840: Quincy receives city status, which contributes to its further economic and demographic growth.
• 1858: The famous sixth debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas takes place in Washington Park.
• 1861–1865: During the Civil War, the city acts as an important supply and logistics centre thanks to its developed river port.
• 1886: The Illinois Veterans Home opens, becoming one of the largest institutions of its kind in the country.
• 1930: The grand opening of the Memorial Bridge takes place, connecting Illinois and Missouri.
• 1987: The cable-stayed Bayview Bridge is put into operation, significantly improving the transport accessibility of the region.
• 1993: During the "Great Flood" on the Mississippi, water levels reach record heights, leading to a temporary transport blockade of the city.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Quincy is a journey from a frontier settlement to an important regional centre. The main milestones of the city's development are linked to utilising geographical advantages and adapting the economy to changing conditions.

• Era of River Power (Mid-19th Century). Thanks to its strategic position on the Mississippi River, Quincy became the second-largest city in Illinois after Chicago. The development of steamboat navigation turned the city into a key transport hub of the Midwest, ensuring a rapid influx of capital and population.
• Status as the "World Capital of Stoves" (Late 19th Century). This period saw powerful industrialisation. Quincy became a leader in foundry production, especially in the manufacturing of cast-iron stoves. Metallurgical plants formed the industrial framework of the economy and attracted thousands of workers.
• Architectural Renaissance (Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries). Accumulated wealth transformed into a unique urban environment. Luxurious mansions were built in the east of the city and famous brick quarters in the German style in the south, which defined Quincy's architectural appearance for a century to come.
• Overcoming Transport Isolation (1930–1987). The construction of bridges across the Mississippi became an important engineering and economic breakthrough. The opening of the Memorial Bridge, and later the cable-stayed Bayview Bridge, ensured reliable connection with the state of Missouri and integration into the national road network.
• Course on Heritage Preservation (Late 20th Century). In response to the decline of old industry, the city reoriented towards preserving history. The creation of protected historical districts (including the Downtown and the German quarter) stimulated cultural tourism and the revitalisation of the urban environment.
• Modern Diversification (21st Century). The city successfully transformed its economy, moving away from a single profile. Today, the drivers of development are the healthcare sector, education, agribusiness, and high-tech electronics manufacturing.

Architectural Heritage and Urban Planning

Quincy is often called an "open-air architectural museum". Because the city avoided large-scale destruction and reconstruction in the 20th century, a unique ensemble of buildings has been preserved here, reflecting the prosperity of the steamboat era and early industrialisation. The urban structure is clearly divided into historical districts, each possessing its own unique appearance.

Founding Era and Early Period (1830–1860)

In the first decades of the city's existence, simple and austere forms prevailed, characteristic of the American frontier, with a gradual transition to classical ideals.

• Federal Style and Greek Revival: These styles symbolised the democratic ideals of the young republic. The most striking example is the John Wood Mansion, built by the city's founder. This two-storey building with a portico and columns is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival in the Midwest.

Victorian Flourishing and German Influence (1860–1900)

The period of economic boom turned Quincy into a centre of architectural experiments. Wealth brought by river trade and industry was embodied in luxurious mansions and substantial public buildings.

• Italianate: The dominant style for the commercial city centre and wealthy residences. It is characterised by wide eaves with decorative brackets and tall, narrow windows. Strolling along Maine Street, one can see entire blocks designed in this style.
• German Brick Style: In the South Side German Historic District, a unique environment formed by German immigrants has developed. Neat brick cottages prevail here, standing close to the sidewalk, demonstrating the highest craftsmanship of the masons of that time.
• Second Empire and Queen Anne: In the prestigious East End district, the mansions of the industrial elite are concentrated. Here one can encounter buildings with mansard roofs (Second Empire style) and asymmetrical houses with turrets and verandas (Queen Anne style).
• Richardsonian Romanesque: This monumental style, using rough stone and massive arches, is vividly represented by the old public library building, which now houses the architectural museum.

Eclecticism and Unique Objects

Quincy is also known for architectural gems that are rare for the region and go beyond standard classifications.

• Moorish Revival: The unique castle Villa Kathrine, located on a bluff above the Mississippi. Built by the wealthy traveller George Metz, it replicates the Islamic architecture of North Africa with an inner courtyard and a minaret, which is a great rarity for Illinois.
• Prairie School: In the early 20th century, buildings inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright appeared in the city, with an emphasis on horizontal lines and harmony with the landscape.

Current State and Preservation

Today, Quincy's urban planning policy focuses on preserving its historical appearance. Four districts of the city are included in the National Register of Historic Places. The city centre (Downtown) combines restored historical facades with modern infrastructure, maintaining the atmosphere of a prosperous 19th-century trading city.

Political Figures and Founders

• John Wood — Founder of the city and 12th Governor of Illinois.
  A key historical figure of the region. In 1819, he built the first dwelling on the territory of the future city and facilitated its development. Besides founding Quincy, Wood held high government posts, including the position of state governor. His estate is today an important historical museum.
• Orville Hickman Browning — US Senator and Secretary of the Interior.
  A prominent 19th-century politician who lived in Quincy. He was a close friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln. Browning played a significant role in shaping the country's policy during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.

Culture and Arts

• Mary Astor — Film actress and writer.
  A native of Quincy who became a legend of Hollywood's "Golden Age". She starred in over 100 films, most famous for her role in the noir "The Maltese Falcon" and her Oscar-winning role in the film "The Great Lie".
• Jonathan Van Ness — TV presenter, stylist, and writer.
  A representative of modern pop culture, born and raised in Quincy. He gained global fame as one of the hosts of the show "Queer Eye" (Netflix) and is actively involved in social activities.

Historical and Religious Figures

• Father Augustine Tolton — The first African American Catholic priest.
  After escaping slavery in Missouri with his family, Tolton found refuge in Quincy. He went down in history as the first black American to become a Catholic priest in the USA. Currently, the process of his canonisation by the Catholic Church is underway.
• Paul Tibbets — Brigadier General of the US Air Force.
  Born in Quincy in 1915. Known as an experienced pilot and commander of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay. He is one of the significant figures in the history of American military aviation of the 20th century.