Guest Author - Beth Green

Kentucky became the 15th state on June 1, 1792. Until it became a state in its own right, Kentucky had been part of Virginia.

The name Kentucky comes from the Native American word “Ken-tah-ten” which means “land of tomorrow”.

Frankfort, the capital, was established as a city in Virginia in 1786 and became the capital of Kentucky in 1792 when the area became a separate state.

The Kentucky flag was originally adopted in 1918. It is the state seal and the words “Commonwealth of Kentucky” on a blue field. The flag was amended in 1928 and again in 1962.

The state nickname is the Bluegrass State, so called because of the lush green grass that produces bluish buds in the spring and gives the grass a blue tint. Pioneer traders used to ask for seeds of that blue grass, and the name stuck.

The cardinal is the state bird of Kentucky. The cardinal is known for its rich song. Male cardinals are a deep red color; while the female of the species is a dull grey-brown.

Over 30 different species of the Goldenrod are found in Kentucky. This state flower is actually an herb.

The state wild animal is the grey squirrel; while the state butterfly is the Viceroy butterfly; the state fish is the Kentucky bass.

The state gem is the fresh-water pearl.

The Tulip Poplar is the official state tree of Kentucky, as well as Tennessee. The tree was used by pioneers to build houses, barns and other buildings. The trees can reach 200 feet tall; have brownish-gray bark, smooth broad leaves, and green-orange tulip-like flowers.

Well-known for its horse breeding and horse racing, it only makes sense that Kentucky has a state horse, the Thoroughbred.

Kentucky’s state song is Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home”.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States was born in Hodgenville in 1809. Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States during the Civil War, was born less than 100 miles away, in Fairview, in 1808.

Other famous Kentucky residents include boxer Mohammad Ali, born as Cassius Clay (Louisville); pioneer scout Kit Carson (Madison City); railroad engineer Casey Jones (Cayce); actress Rosemary Clooney (Maysville); broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer (Glasgow) and singer Loretta Lynn (Butchers Hollow).