Historical Marker

Stony Castle

Historical marker location:
Berry, Kentucky
( KY 1054, Berry)

Here was first post office between Lexington and Covington. Built by Postmaster John Smith in 1807 on land granted by Patrick Henry, Governor of Commonwealth of Virginia. Home withstood Civil War and was commandeered by CSA raider John Hunt Morgan for his wounded and weary troops. Postal room located in large closet in front parlor, right of main entranceway

  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.

Patrick Henry John Hunt Morgan Post Office
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky random facts
Harrison County, located in northern Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1793. The county was named after Colonel Benjamin Harrison, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, European settlers began to explore the area in the late 18th century.

The county played a significant role in the development of Kentucky as a state. In the early 1800s, Harrison County saw a boom in agriculture, particularly in the production of tobacco, corn, and hemp. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed farmers to thrive, leading to increased economic activity.

During the Civil War, Harrison County was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The county witnessed several skirmishes and raids, but ultimately, the majority of its residents remained loyal to the Union. After the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding.

In the 20th century, Harrison County continued its agricultural focus but also embraced industrial development. The establishment of manufacturing plants and the expansion of trade routes contributed to the county's growth and prosperity. Today, Harrison County remains a vibrant community, preserving its historical landmarks and hosting various events and festivals that celebrate its past.

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

  • 1793 - Harrison County is established on December 21.
  • 1803 - Cynthiana is established as the county seat.
  • 1816 - The first courthouse is built in Cynthiana.
  • 1864 - During the Civil War, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan leads raids through the county.
  • 1884 - A tornado strikes Cynthiana, causing extensive damage.
  • 1890 - The Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library is established.
  • 1910 - The first electric streetcar is introduced in Cynthiana.
  • 1929 - A fire destroys the courthouse, and a new one is built the following year.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the Cynthiana Army Airfield is established.
  • 1955 - The Cynthiana-Harrison County Museum is founded.
  • 1997 - A flood causes significant damage to Cynthiana and surrounding areas.
  • 2010 - Harrison County celebrates its bicentennial.