Historical Marker

Samuel M. Plato, 1882-1957

Historical marker location:
Louisville, Kentucky
( 1111 Southwestern Parkway, )

Samuel M. Plato developed quality single-family housing for Blacks in West Louisville from 1945-1950. His firm, Plato Construction Company, built 88 homes in the Westover Neighborhood. Plato Terrace was named in his honor. Plato designed and built houses, banks, schools, churches and theaters here and across the US. Westover Cookbook Committee

Reverse
Plato was the first Black architect to win federal contracts for post offices and government housing projects. He promoted a diverse workforce using Black and white workers on his projects and paved the way for Black people in the construction industry. Eight of his buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Metro CW Cheri Bryant Hamilton Dedicated June 1, 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.

African American Architects Post Office
Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Kentucky random facts
Jefferson County, Kentucky has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who relied on the fertile lands along the Ohio River for sustenance and trade. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with the establishment of forts and trading posts along the river. In 1780, Louisville, the county seat of Jefferson County, was founded by George Rogers Clark and named in honor of King Louis XVI of France.

During the 19th century, Jefferson County experienced rapid growth and became a center of industry and commerce. The completion of the Louisville and Portland Canal in 1830 allowed for increased river traffic and helped establish Louisville as a major inland port. The city became a hub for the tobacco and bourbon industries, with numerous distilleries and warehouses operating within the county. In addition to its economic growth, the county also played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces.

The 20th century brought further development and modernization to Jefferson County. The Louisville Municipal Bridge, now known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, was completed in 1929, connecting the city to southern Indiana and facilitating interstate travel. The county also experienced significant changes in demographics and urbanization, as the population grew and diverse communities emerged. Notably, the African American population in the county expanded during the Great Migration, leading to the establishment of vibrant neighborhoods such as Russell and Parkland.

Today, Jefferson County continues to be a vibrant and thriving county. With a population of over 770,000, it is the most populous county in Kentucky. The county is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Additionally, Jefferson County is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate the county's diverse history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jefferson County, Kentucky.

  • 1780- Jefferson County established as an original Kentucky county.
  • 1785- Louisville, the county seat, officially founded.
  • 1803- The Methodist Episcopal Church establishes its first church in Louisville.
  • 1838- Construction of the Louisville and Portland Canal begins.
  • 1855- The Louisville Free Public Library opens.
  • 1861- The American Civil War begins, and Louisville becomes a key Union supply base.
  • 1875- The Southern Exposition, a world's fair-style event, is held in Louisville.
  • 1905- Churchill Downs hosts the first Kentucky Derby.
  • 1937- The Ohio River flood causes widespread devastation in Jefferson County.
  • 1946- The Louisville Cardinals basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament.
  • 1956- The Kentucky Kingdom amusement park opens in Louisville.
  • 1974- The Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to the famous boxer, opens in Louisville.
  • 1984- The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts opens in Louisville.
  • 1996- The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory opens.
  • 2013- The KFC Yum! Center, a sports and entertainment arena, opens in Louisville.