Historical Marker

Cain's Store Post Office

Historical marker location:
Nancy, Kentucky
( West Highway 80, Nancy)

In 1863, the U.S. Post Office Dept. approved a post office to be located in Smith W. Cain’s store. Christopher Gossett was appointed the first postmaster on March 30, 1863. The store was a community focal point where customers did postal business, bought groceries and supplies, and visited with neighbors.

Reverse
Battle of Mill Springs Campsite- Union Col. Robert McCook’s 3rd Brigade was headquartered at Cain’s Store on Jan. 16, 1862. Present with McCook were the 9th Ohio and 2nd Minnesota infantry regiments. On Jan. 17, these troops marched to join Union forces at Logan’s Crossroads. At dawn on Jan. 19 they fought in what became known as the Battle of Mill Springs.

Dedicated October 17, 2014

  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.

Civil War Battle of Mill Springs Post Office
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. His birthplace is now a National Historical Park.
Kentucky random facts
Pulaski County, Kentucky is a county located in the southeastern part of the state. It was established on December 10, 1798, and named after Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero of the American Revolution. The area that is now Pulaski County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.

In the early 19th century, settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the rich natural resources and fertile land. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought further growth and development to the county, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people. Agriculture played a major role in the county's economy, with tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary crops.

During the American Civil War, Pulaski County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county experienced several skirmishes and raids, including the Battle of Mill Springs in 1862, which was a Union victory and helped secure control over eastern Kentucky.

In the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced significant industrial growth and economic diversification. The construction of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s provided opportunities for recreation and tourism, as well as hydroelectric power generation. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant communities.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pulaski County, Kentucky.

  • Pulaski County, KY was formed on December 10, 1798.
  • In 1800, the county's first courthouse was built in a small town called Mill Springs.
  • The county saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the arrival of the railroad in 1869.
  • In 1927, the Wolf Creek Dam was completed, creating Lake Cumberland and becoming a major attraction for tourism in the area.
  • During the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced several devastating floods, including the catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
  • Pulaski County remains an important agricultural and manufacturing center in Kentucky.