National Register Listing

Callis General Store and Post Office

New Hope Rd., Bedford, KY
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

post office
The largest non-nuclear explosion in US history occurred in 1958 in Fleming County, Kentucky, when a natural gas storage cavern exploded, killing several people and destroying nearby homes.
Kentucky random facts
Trimble County, located in northern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1836. The county was named after Robert Trimble, a revered U.S. Supreme Court justice originally from Virginia. Prior to the county's formation, the land was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

The county's early economy was driven by agriculture, with early settlers establishing farms and cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The Ohio River played a crucial role in the county's development, serving as a transportation route for trading goods and connecting Trimble County to other river towns and cities.

During the American Civil War, Trimble County saw its fair share of turmoil. Due to its proximity to the Ohio River, the county became a strategic location for both Union and Confederate troops. The area experienced skirmishes and raids, with the county suffering from the effects of war. Despite the challenges, Trimble County's agricultural production continued, providing crucial sustenance for soldiers and civilians alike.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Trimble County underwent further development and modernization. The arrival of the railroad brought new opportunities for transportation and trade, allowing the county's agricultural products to reach a broader market. The industrial revolution also impacted the county, with the establishment of factories and mills that provided employment opportunities for its residents. Today, Trimble County maintains its rural character while embracing the benefits of modernization, and its history is celebrated through local museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into its past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Trimble County, Kentucky.

  • 1790: Trimble County, KY is established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1792: Kentucky is admitted as the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1849: The county seat of Trimble County is established in Bedford.
  • 1860s: Trimble County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Louisville, Cincinnati and Lexington Railroad.
  • 1920: A devastating flood causes significant damage to Trimble County.
  • 1960: The Milton-Madison Bridge is opened, connecting Trimble County with Jefferson County, Indiana.
  • 1997: The Trimble County Apple Festival is established, becoming an annual event.