On October 19, National Kentucky Day recognizes the 15th state to be granted statehood.
The Bluegrass State became the first to enter the union west of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to the Kentucky Derby, Fort Knox and the birthplace of one the nation’s most beloved presidents, Kentucky is bordered by rivers on three of its four boundaries.
Musical roots run deep in Kentucky. There’s opportunity from ancient history to modern day to explore all variety of music the state holds dear. Of course, it’s called The Bluegrass State for a reason!
When it comes to athletic pursuits, Kentuckians are skilled both on and off the court. The Kentucky Derby, one of the jewels of the Triple Crown, takes place in May every year in Louisville. Founded in 1875, the derby holds many traditions, including serving mint juleps.
On the court and the field, they keep up a fierce rivalry with their Hoosier neighbors. Basketball, in particular, has held a strong tradition in the state.
Daniel Boone blazed trails through Kentucky, and several state parks and sites bear his name. Along those paths are all the natural wonders of Kentucky. From the Mammoth Caves (they are mammoth because they’re the longest in the world) to the national forests, crystal clear lakes and magnificent waterfalls.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKentuckyDay
Join us as we recognize Kentucky’s hidden treasures and natural beauty. Uncover tucked away places and find all Kentucky has to offer! Use #NationalKentuckyDay to share on social media.
For a complete list of Kentucky State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.parks.ky.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace – Hodgenville
Cumberland Gap – Middlesboro
Mammoth Cave – Mammoth Cave
Boone Station State Historic Site – Lexington
Carter Caves State Resort Park – Olive Hill
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park – Louisville
Perryville Battlefield – Perryville
Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site– Wickliffe
MUSEUMS
Kentucky Derby Museum – Lousiville
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville
KMAC Museum – Louisville
Muhammad Ali Center – Louisville
Creation Museum – Petersburg
Kentucky Museum – Bowling Green
Civil War Museum – Bardstown
General George Patton Museum of Leadership – Fort Knox
Bluegrass Heritage Museum – Winchester
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Mt Vernon
The Lincoln Museum – Hodgenville
African American Heritage Center – Franklin
Notable People
Abraham Lincoln – President – (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865)
Kit Carson – Frontiersman – (December 24, 1809 – May 23, 1868)
Isaac Burns Murphy – Jockey – (January 1, 1861 – February 12, 1896)
Patty & Mildred Hill – Educator & Composer – (March 27, 1868 – May 25, 1946 & June 27, 1859 – June 5, 1916)
Garrett Morgan – Inventor – (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963)
John Scopes – Educator – (August 3, 1900 – October 21, 1970)
Cliff Hagan – Basketball Player – (December 9, 1931 – )
Loretta Lynn – Singer/Songwriter – (April 14, 1932 – )
Hunter S Thompson – Journalist – (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005)
Tyson Gay – Olympian – (August 9, 1982 – )
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