Also at that junction (on the northwest corner) is an old elementary school (now closed), with a monument out front identifying Cayce as the hometown of American cultural icon, railroad engineer Casey Jones (1863–1900), who grew up in the area.

John Luther "Casey" Jones earned his place in American folklore and legend for remaining at the throttle in the 1900 crash in which he lost his life.

Dozens of structures—including approximately 2/3rds of all homes in the town[3]—sustained major damage, and several were completely destroyed by winds rated up to EF4.

[4] After claiming a life, the tornado continued traveling east through multiple counties and cities in Western Kentucky, causing widespread devastation and killing 58 people.

[5] In the months following the storm, residents struggled with trauma from the outbreak and the slow rebuilding process, with many continuing to live in trailers or converted containers.