The Bluegrass State: Fascinating Kentucky Facts You May Not Know
Beautiful Horse in Kentucky - Image by kfkock from Pixabay
Kentucky is very near and dear to my heart because it is where I was born and raised. It is oftentimes overlooked for various reasons and has definitely had its fair share of stereotypes and assumptions over the years.
While it’s known mostly for the Kentucky Derby, there is much more to this state than meets the eye. Kentucky’s capital city is Frankfort and its two largest cities are Louisville and Lexington. It has beautiful rolling hills, scenic horse farms, and stunning mountains as you move east into Appalachia.
I’ve seen it expand over the years from being a little blip on the radar to having bustling cities with tourism. What is it about Kentucky, though, that makes it so unique? While this list doesn't even remotely cover everything, it's a great little starting point for learning the basics.
General Facts:
Kentucky's name has Native American origins, possibly from the Iroquoian word "Ken-tah-ten," meaning "land of tomorrow." Other possibilities include Shawnee, Mohawk, Delaware, and Catawba words related to meadows or prairies.
Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States on June 1, 1792, and was the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains to be admitted to the Union.
Capitol Building in Frankfort, KY - Photo Credit: Mobilus in Mobili (No revisions have been made by FSP to this photograph) License
The state's nickname is the "Bluegrass State" due to the bluish-purple buds that appear on its bluegrass in the spring, giving the pastures a blue hue.
Frankfort became the capital in 1792 after pledging more manpower towards the construction of the statehouse than any other city. It was the only Union capital to be occupied by Confederate troops during the Civil War.
Kentucky is the only U.S. state to have a continuous border of rivers running along three of its sides: the Mississippi River to the west, the Ohio River to the north, and the Big Sandy River and Tug Fork to the east.
Unique Natural Features:
Mammoth Cave, in Mammoth Cave National Park, is the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles explored. It's also the second-oldest tourist attraction in the U.S., after Niagara Falls.
Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where a "moonbow" (a rainbow formed by moonlight) can be seen regularly on clear nights with a full moon.
Cumberland Falls, KY - Photo Credit: USA-Reiseblogger on Pixabay
Kentucky has more miles of running water than any other state except Alaska, including 1,100 commercially navigable miles.
Red River Gorge is a scenic canyon system featuring over 80 natural sandstone arches. It is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.
Historical and Cultural Highlights:
Both Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President and leader of the Union, and Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, were born in Kentucky within a year of each other.
Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park in Louisville, KY - Photo Credit: USA-Reiseblogger on Pixabay
The Kentucky Derby, held annually since 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, is the oldest continuously held horse race in the United States.
Kentucky is considered the birthplace of bluegrass music. Bill Monroe, known as the "Father of Bluegrass," was born in Kentucky, and his song "Blue Moon of Kentucky" is the state's official bluegrass song.
The song "Happy Birthday to You" was created by two sisters from Louisville, Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, in 1893.
The first observance of Mother's Day was held in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1887 by teacher Mary S. Wilson.
Middlesboro is the only city in the United States built entirely within a meteor crater.
The Kentucky Long Rifle is the official state gun.
Food and Drink:
Kentucky produces approximately 95% of the world's bourbon. The state's limestone-rich water is ideal for crafting this spirit, and there are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are people.
Bourbon barrels at a distillery in Kentucky - Photo Credit: AnnBoulais on Pixabay
Ale-8-One, a regional citrus soda created in Winchester, Kentucky, in 1926, is the official soft drink of the Commonwealth.
Legend says that the first cheeseburger was served at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934.
The first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), owned by Colonel Sanders himself, is still operating in Corbin, Kentucky.
Manufacturing and Innovation:
All Chevrolet Corvettes have been manufactured in Bowling Green since 1981.
National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY - Photo Credit: USA-Reiseblogger on Pixabay
Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where the iconic baseball bats have been produced since 1884.
Kentucky is considered the site of the first commercial vineyard in the United States, established near Lexington in 1799.
This list is just barely scratching the surface on the fascinating facts about Kentucky. I'll include future articles about Kentucky and the other states that I cover in order to prevent them from becoming too lengthy.
I didn't even include some of my favorite places like Hermitage Farm and the Kentucky Horse Park. If you've traveled to Kentucky before, what are some of your favorite memories or places that you've visited?
Visit the Kentucky Tourism website for more information.
As a sidenote: I have no affiliation with any of the links that I shared and make no money from promoting them.