Historical Marker

Jones Nursery/Nursery Place

Historical marker location:
Lexington, Kentucky
( Intersection of Athens-Boonesboro Road and Jones Nursery Road, Lexington)

Jones Nursery - Griffin Fauntleroy Jones began one of Kentucky’s earliest commercial nurseries. He sold fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines. Many orchards in Clark and surrounding counties were supplied from Jones’ Nursery. Fauntleroy also ran a blacksmith shop, furniture business, wagon factory, and ran the Jones Nursery post office from 1850 until 1859.

(Reverse) Nursery Place - Fauntleroy Jones (1816-1897) was a nurseryman, horticulturist and accomplished botanist. He moved into a 1790s dogtrot log cabin which was enlarged to fourteen rooms. Nursery Place has been home to five generations of the Jones family. Fauntleroy & his wife, Martha Jane Browning, are buried in a small cemetery in the front yard of the property. Dedicated September 5, 2019

  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.

Post Office Trees
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Clark County, located in the northeastern region of the state of Kentucky, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1792. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who were displaced by European settlers in the late 18th century. The county was named after Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, who played a crucial role in securing the Northwest Territory for the United States.

The fertile land along the Kentucky River attracted many pioneers and adventurers, leading to the establishment of settlements in the area. Boonesborough, one of the first permanent settlements in Kentucky, was founded in 1775 and became an important trading post. Clark County was carved out of Bourbon and Fayette counties in 1792, with Winchester becoming the county seat.

Throughout the 19th century, Clark County experienced rapid growth and development. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became the mainstay of the local economy. The county's strong agricultural base also fostered the growth of several manufacturing industries, including distilleries and tobacco processing plants. The construction of railroads in the mid-19th century further spurred economic growth and improved transportation.

Clark County played a significant role during the Civil War. Due to its strategic location, the county was contested territory, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control. The Battle of Winchester in 1862 saw Union troops successfully defending the county seat against Confederate forces. The war brought destruction and turmoil to the area, but Clark County emerged from this period with its resilience intact.

In the decades that followed, Clark County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The growth of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism have all contributed to the county's development. Today, Clark County stands as a vibrant community that embraces its historical roots while embracing progress and innovation.

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

  • 1785: Clark County is founded and named after Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark.
  • 1792: Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the United States.
  • 1803: Winchester, the county seat of Clark County, is officially established.
  • 1812-1815: Clark County residents serve in the War of 1812.
  • 1815: Daniel Boone, explorer and frontiersman, dies in Clark County.
  • 1861-1865: Many Clark County residents fight for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
  • 1864: General John Hunt Morgan and his Confederate raiders pass through Clark County during their famous raid.
  • 1896: Winchester Opera House is built, becoming an important cultural center in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s: Clark County experiences economic growth due to increased coal mining and manufacturing industries.
  • 1961: Interstate 64 is completed, connecting Clark County to major cities and facilitating economic development.
  • 2003: The Bluegrass Army Depot, an important military installation in the county, celebrates its 60th anniversary.