Historical Marker

Town of Patesville

Historical marker location:
Reynolds Station, Kentucky
( 3995 KY-144, Reynolds Station, KY)

Crossroads was site of 19th-century town of Patesville. It was named for William Pate, who bought land and operated an inn about two miles east of here. A post office established, 1813. During Civil War, area was site of a gun battle pitting CSA guerrillas Sue Mundy, Bill Davison and Henry Magruder against John Clark's USA troops. Presented by Hancock County Fiscal Court.

(Reverse) Town of Patesville - During its heyday in 1895, Patesville was a town of 250 people with a sawmill, three general stores, millinery, drugstore, blacksmith shop, undertaker's parlor, and hotel. Presented by Hancock County Fiscal Court

  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.

African American Civil War Confederate Army Post Office Sue Mundy
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, who were both born in Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Hancock County, Kentucky has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1829. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Chickasaw, before European settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was named after John Hancock, a prominent figure in the American Revolution and the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

During the early 1800s, settlers began to establish homesteads in the area primarily for farming and agriculture. Hancock County became known for its fertile soil and abundant natural resources, attracting more settlers to the region. The county's economy thrived with the cultivation of tobacco, corn, and other crops.

In the mid-19th century, the completion of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad brought significant growth and development to Hancock County. The railroad opened up transportation opportunities, allowing goods to be easily transported in and out of the county. This led to increased trade and commerce, further fueling the local economy.

Over the years, Hancock County experienced various economic ups and downs. It saw the rise and decline of industries such as coal mining and river commerce. Despite these changes, agriculture has remained an integral part of the county's economy. Today, Hancock County continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy through industries such as manufacturing and tourism. The county's rich history and natural beauty attract visitors from near and far, welcoming them to explore its charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and historical sites.

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

  • 1806: Hancock County is established as the 51st county in Kentucky
  • 1820: Leitchfield is chosen as the county seat of Hancock County
  • 1834: The first courthouse is built in Leitchfield
  • 1861-1865: Hancock County residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1890: Hancock County's population reaches its highest point at 15,530 residents
  • 1930s: The construction of Rough River Dam creates Rough River Lake
  • 1956: Rough River Dam State Resort Park is opened
  • 1980s: The decline of the coal mining industry impacts the economy of Hancock County
  • 2005: Hancock County is hit by an F3 tornado, causing significant damage
  • 2019: The population of Hancock County is estimated to be around 8,644