Kentucky, known as the “Bluegrass State,” has a rich history and many interesting characteristics. Here are some fun facts about Kentucky:
- State nickname: Kentucky is often called the “Bluegrass State” because of the abundant bluegrass found in its pastures, which gives the landscape a distinctive blue-green hue.
- Statehood: Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States on June 1, 1792.
- State symbols: The state bird of Kentucky is the Northern Cardinal, the state flower is the Goldenrod, and the state tree is the Tulip Poplar.
- Horse racing: Kentucky is famous for the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held horse race in the United States, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
- Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was born in a log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809.
- Bourbon: Kentucky is known for its bourbon whiskey production, which makes up approximately 95% of the world’s supply. The state is home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a popular tourist attraction featuring distilleries and tastings.
- Mammoth Cave: Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, which contains the world’s longest-known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways.
- Cumberland Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls in southeastern Kentucky is a 68-foot-tall waterfall that is one of the few places in the world where a “moonbow” (a rainbow caused by moonlight) can be seen regularly during a full moon.
- Fort Knox: The United States Bullion Depository, commonly known as Fort Knox, is located in Kentucky. It is one of the most secure facilities in the world and holds a significant portion of the U.S. gold reserves.
- Bluegrass music: Kentucky is the birthplace of bluegrass music, a genre that originated in the 1940s and is named after Bill Monroe’s band, the Blue Grass Boys.
- The Kentucky Colonels: The Kentucky Colonels is an honorary order of the state, with members appointed by the governor for their service to the community. Notable Kentucky Colonels include Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill, and Elvis Presley.
- Corvette production: The only production facility for the Chevrolet Corvette, a classic American sports car, is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
- Land of covered bridges: Kentucky has over a dozen historic covered bridges, adding charm to the state’s scenic landscape.
- Daniel Boone: Legendary American pioneer and frontiersman Daniel Boone played a significant role in the early settlement of Kentucky. He established the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap and founded Boonesborough, one of the first permanent settlements in the state.
- The Kentucky State Capitol: Located in Frankfort, the Kentucky State Capitol building was completed in 1910 and features a beautiful Beaux-Arts architectural style.