What Kentucky is known for

Kentucky, also known as the "Bluegrass State," is located on the east side of the United States of America. When looking at a map, people commonly distinguish the state by its shape that resembles a piece of fried chicken sitting on Tennessee's table. The state gained its "Bluegrass" nickname from the many bluegrass fields that cover the region.[1] Kentucky's population currently sits at 4,467,673 people, with the majority of its residents living in Louisville. The capital is located in the city of Frankfort, which is not nearly as populated as Louisville.[3] The state is commonly known for horse racing, coal, moonshine, bourbon, tobacco, bluegrass music, and Kentucky fried chicken.[4] Kentucky's name is derived from the Iroquois word "prairie" or "meadow" attributed to the region's many fields.[1] The exact origins of the name are uncertain because some claim it comes from the Catawba people who inhabited Kentucky.[4] The land was initially inhabited by Native Americans but was eventually settled by Europeans in 1769 and became the fifteenth state in the United States about twenty years later in 1792.[1]

The early European influence from the settlers has continued to this day, making the current European descent population 87.5% of the state, most of which are White. The original inhibitors, Native Americans, now only have a population of 0.3%. African Americans are the second most influential race in Kentucky, with a population of 8.5%.[3] 

The state's culture has been highly influenced by its early history of famous people, wars sites, and music. Today the culture is described as easy-going, outdoor recreation, legendary bourbon, and filled with a legacy of horse breeding and racing. Perhaps the most prominent two aspects of the culture are horses and bourbon. Bourbon production can be anywhere, but most believe it is made only in Kentucky, one of the largest producers of the substance. Horse farms are abundant in the land and extend up to the main streets of some of the most popular cities, such as Louisville and Kentucky. These businesses add to the economy of Kentucky, but overall it depends on the region. Different contributors to the economy are manufacturing, agriculture, mining, trade, and tourism. The bluegrass region is home to many manufacturing companies that specialize in cattle, horses, and tobacco.[5]

One of the most famous attractions to the "Bluegrass State" is the Kentucky Derby. The derby's history starts in 1872 by Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of William Clark. William Clark is most commonly known with his partner Lewis, making them Lewis and Clark. Meriwether was inspired to create the derby after attending a horse race during his visit to England. Upon returning home, he received help from family and friends, taking three years to open the doors to the public in 1875. Since the creation of the Kentucky Derby, the event has seen many changes adapting with time but still staying true to the vision of Meriwether Clark. Such changes have included shortening the race, draping roses on the horses, and adjustments to accommodate the growing crowds. Winning the Kentucky Derby is now a requirement to receive the Triple Crown in horse racing. Winning the Triple Crown has only happened thirteen times since 1919. The racing of horses now has the most significant record for the longest-running sports event in American history and constantly draws people to Kentucky.[2]

Kentucky's common outdoor tourist destinations are Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Other draws to the area include the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Newport Aquarium, and Kentucky Derby Museum.[4] When visiting these attractions or anything else in Kentucky, it is reported that the best time to plan to visit is from April to June and August to September. These months often provide pleasant temperatures and climates to see the state.[6]

Kentucky is full of culture, history, and fun facts. The history of the early wars in the nation has shaped the state into what it is today and is what draws lots of visitors to Kentucky. But most visitors don't know the fun facts that originated within the state. The song "Happy Birthday" was penned by two sisters born in Kentucky. Also created in Kentucky are commonly used Post-its. Other facts include Kentucky known as the world's horse capital, the number of bourbon barrels outnumber the population, and $150,000,000 was wagered on the Kentucky Derby in 2018.[7]

Geography

Kentucky is located on the eastern half of the United States of America and is surrounded by other states, with no connection to any coast. Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia are the states that border Kentucky. The state is the only one to be bordered on three sides by rivers. The rivers that border the state include the Ohio River, Mississippi River, Tug Fork River, and the Big Sandy River.[1] Kentucky is divided into five different geographical regions: the Bluegrass, Cumberland Plateau, Western Coal Field, Pennyroyal, and Jackson Purchase Regions. The famous Appalachian Mountain Range goes through the eastern part of Kentucky, which falls into the Cumberland Plateau Region and is known for its scenic beauty. Overall, the state covers 40,411 square miles of land, with its highest point reaching 4,139 feet above sea level.[8] 

The general region is classified as a forest biome with a moderate climate and an average rainfall of 46 inches annually. Kentucky's forest has made the state the third-biggest producer of the nation's hardwood. The wettest times of the year in Kentucky are during the spring and summer. The average high temperature of Kentucky is 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 23.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its location, Kentucky experiences extreme storms such as hurricanes. These storms occur most often between the months of March and September.[8]

Unique geographical features in Kentucky consist of forests, high ridges, and narrow V-shaped valleys. The Bluegrass Region is home to hundreds of knob-shaped hills called monadnocks that were created through erosion. Sinkholes, hills, caves, and springs in the state were created as the local limestone broke down over time due to the weather. This region has gained its name from the bluish-green grass that grows there.[9]

Wildlife is found throughout all of Kentucky. The most common fauna of the land consists of red foxes, bobcats, black bears, river otters, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, racerunner, broadhead skink, eastern corn snake, and the Kentucky spring salamander. Native flora to the land includes the tulip poplar, the state tree: Kentucky coffeetree, wild columbine, purple coneflower, dwarf iris, and Kentucky lady's slipper, which is endangered.[9]

History

Those who first inhabited the land of Kentucky were Native Americans. These indigenous people left burial and ceremonial mounds that are still prominent today. Tribes found in the land before European colonization include Cherokee, Chickasaw, Delaware, Shawnee, and the Yuchi tribes. Native Americans had a strong hold of the land until the early 1800's when they were eliminated through warfare and resettlement to other territories by the government.[10] 

The French and Spanish were the first to explore the land coming down the Mississippi River. The first European settler was Daniel Boone, who reached the land in 1769 with his hunting party. He later established Boonesborough in 1775. Settlization picked up speed with the end of the American Revolution and Kentucky officially gained its statehood on June 1, 1792, as the fifteenth state in the Union. It is the first state created west of the Appalachian Mountains. Kentucky played an essential role in many historical events, such as the War of 1812. The state was a unique exception during the civil war, being the only state to choose neutrality instead of a specific side. Some Kentucky inhabitants joined the Confederacy while others joined the Union, which resulted in conflicting views.[1]

The settlement of Kentucky was made possible by the early economy of the state. During those times, the primary contributor to the economy was agriculture, consisting of tobacco, corn, and hemp. The growth of agriculture resulted in the decline of hunting and its importance. The first settlers often sold their land for cash and moved further west, which provided more growth and opportunities for farmers. The cultivation of the land fell heavily onto slaves, who were expected to work the land for free. President Abraham Lincoln advocated for abolishing slavery, and eventually issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves. The birthplace of Abraham Lincoln was born in Larue County, Kentucky, which is now the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.[4]

The Kentucky Derby has an extensive history in the state, starting in 1875, which predates the state's admission to the United States.[1] Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of the famous William Clark, was inspired by horse races he witnessed during his trip to England and decided to make it happen where he lived. The Kentucky Derby has prospered since it was first established and continues to draw visitors to the state, improving the economy. Winning the dervy is one of the requirements for receiving a Triple Crown in horseracing. As such the Kentucky Derby continues to make history today. Only thirteen competitors have won the Triple Crown since 1919, and each time a victor is added to the count is considered a historical event.[2] 

Kentucky has also been the birthplace of famous companies such as Texas Roadhouse, Humana, Fruit of the Loom, Papa John's Pizza, and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). KFC is well known throughout the country and has become the second-largest restaurant chain in America. The company was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, who chose to venture away from hamburgers opting to sell chicken instead. The headquarters for KFC is located in Louisville, Kentucky.[4]