(A) Historically and architecturally significant buildings throughout this community are tangible links with the nation’s past and help provide a sense of identity and stability that is often missing in this era of constant change. By highlighting a community’s roots and unique character, historic preservation reinforces the traditional American values of neighborhood and family. Preservation is an anchor that keeps communities together and re-establishes pride and economic vitality.
(B) The study of relics, burial grounds and village sites indicates that man from prehistoric times has selected the site of Quincy as a desirable location to live.
(C) The westernmost city in Illinois, Quincy is located along the eastern shore of the Mississippi River atop 100-foot limestone bluffs which overlook a wide expanse of the river and a natural harbor. John Wood founded Quincy in 1822, settling on land that was part of a large area set aside as a Military Bounty Tract for the War of 1812. The little settlement was first called The Bluffs but was renamed Quincy in 1825 when Adams County was incorporated. The county, the city, and what is now Washington Park were named in honor of the then current President of the United States, John Quincy Adams.
(D) A few of the events that were important to Quincy’s history in the early years were the Blackhawk War, the Morman involvement, the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858, and the anti-slavery movement. Quincy was a stop on the underground railroad. Prosperous industries and commercial establishments including breweries, stove manufacturers, steamboat construction companies, farm implement businesses, and wholesale and retail stores helped in the development of the community. Quincy’s growth encouraged German, English, Scots and Irish immigrants to settle in the city and their craftsmen helped in the building of many homes and commercial buildings.
(E) During the Civil War, Quincy was important as a supply center. Injured soldiers were brought from the battlefield and treated in hospitals built and manned by Quincy residents, and four regiments were trained and stationed in camps located to the north, south and east of the city. John Wood had just completed his term as Governor in 1861, and was named Quartermaster General of the State, thus becoming the highest ranking officer in Illinois. Abraham Lincoln appointed Wood as the Illinois delegate for the Civil War Peace Conference.
(F) Following the war, Quincy entered its “Gilded Age,” a period of great prosperity due to the growth of the railroad and industry. By 1875, Quincy was the second largest city in Illinois.
(G) Neighborhoods developed first in the south, then north, and finally east in Quincy. The architecture reflects a variety of styles from log cabin, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic and Italianate to Romanesque, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial and Classical Revival, Bungalow, Prairie Style, Shingle Style, Stick Style, Quincy Style, Art Moderne and International Style.
(H) Quincy is in the distinguished position of being recognized as one of the three cities in the state having an outstanding collection of architecturally and historically significant structures. Equally important is the recognition of neighborhoods that developed at various time periods in the history of Quincy, and the maintenance of these properties and areas develops a sense of well being, stability and community pride.
(I) It is hereby found and declared by the City Council of the city that the goals of historic preservation, community development and economic growth are compatible and the city intends to further the use of preservation as a tool to help revitalize and strengthen the city’s economy.
(J) It is declared by the City Council of the city that it is required in the interest of the public’s health, safety and general welfare, and is necessary to sound urban planning that those properties and improvements having special historical, architectural, community or aesthetic significance, be designated, preserved, enhanced and continued or restored to use, it being further declared that the city’s economic vitality and tax base cannot be maintained and enhanced without regard for the city’s heritage and older neighborhoods.
(1980 Code, § 29.1001)