Historical Marker

Hodgenville


Established in Feb., 1818, by order of Hardin County Court on 27 acres and owned by Robt. Hodgen, tavern keeper and native of Pa. He erected a gristmill on Nolin River, 1789, within protection of Phillips Fort. Hodgenville had its first Post Office in 1826. It was incorporated in 1839 and in 1843, when Larue County was formed, became the seat of government

  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.

Forts and Stations 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
Larue County, located in central Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to the earliest settlements in the region. Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, once inhabited the area. In the late 1700s, European settlers began arriving, and the county was officially established in 1843. The land was named after John LaRue, an early settler and prominent figure in the community.

During the American Revolutionary War, Larue County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Hodgenville in 1782 saw a clash between Native American tribes and frontiersmen. The county's involvement continued during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, primarily as a recruiting and training ground for soldiers.

Larue County is most famously known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln was born in a small log cabin near Hodgenville in 1809. Today, the Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the historical site and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Throughout its history, Larue County has been an agricultural community, with farming and livestock playing a vital role in the local economy. The county has seen both periods of prosperity and challenges, such as the Great Depression and the decline of the farm industry during the 20th century. However, the area continues to thrive, embracing its history while also adapting to the changing times.

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

  • 1801 - Larue County is established by the Kentucky General Assembly.
  • 1803 - The first permanent settlement is established in what is now Larue County.
  • 1804 - The first church, called Mill Creek Baptist Church, is founded.
  • 1818 - The county seat is established in Hodgenville.
  • 1846 - Abraham Lincoln's family moves to Larue County.
  • 1861-1865 - Larue County residents fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The last public hanging in Larue County takes place.
  • 1916 - The Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site is established.
  • 1936 - The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park is created.
  • 1955 - Interstate 65 is completed, providing improved transportation infrastructure.
  • 2012 - Larue County celebrates its bicentennial.