U.S. Post Office: Belvidere, Illinois Part 3

At 200 South State Street in Belvidere, Illinois is the community’s United States Post Office Building. This Classical Revival structure is a beauty, incorporating many key elements of the style. The building stands on its own block, dominating and important in its mission to bring communication to the masses.

The structure was designed by James Knox Taylor. Taylor was appointed Supervising Architect of the Treasury in 1897 and remained in that position until 1912 (the office was abolished in 1939). He was born in Knoxville, Illinois.

Perhaps my favorite part of the structure (which was sadly closed the day I visited) is the broken pediment (wiki) arcing over the entryway, just stunning.

Dentils (wiki) figure prominently in the building as well, wrapping around the entire structure. Check ’em out below.

This 1911 Post Office building was constructed during a time when Classical Revival architecture (wiki warning, article is so-so) was popular in the United States and remains a locally significant example of the style. The building gained listing on the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 2000. Like I said, I didn’t get to go inside but the National Register archives holds some fine slides of the interior which I have linked to below. Bang your head against the wall, high culture is all around you. Enjoy.

Online Resources
*1897 New York Times article about Taylor’s appointment
*National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
*Interior Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Editor’s Note: Tomorrow we take a journey a bit south, we will return to the frigid north soon enough.