Outline of Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the border states that lie between the North and the South of the United States. Its long northern border is formed by the Ohio River, one of the traditional boundaries between the Northern States and the Southern States. Kentucky also forms a link between two of the great land features of the United States. Its eastern border touches the Appalachian Mountains. About 350 miles (563 kilometers) to the west, Kentucky touches the Mississippi River.
Rich burley tobacco and champion race horses have long been symbols of Kentucky. Thoroughbred race horses still graze on the lush grass of the region around Lexington. The dusty blue blossoms of this grass have given it the name bluegrass, and Kentucky's nickname is the Bluegrass State. Each May, huge crowds thrill to the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Stephen Foster wrote of the state's traditional life in his immortal song ''My Old Kentucky Home,'' now the state song.
Kentucky is more than a place to raise and run horses. It is also an important center of agriculture and mining. Kentucky leads the states in the production of burley tobacco, and ranks second only to North Carolina in total tobacco production. Kentucky is a leading coal-producing state. Coal is mined in Kentucky's eastern Appalachian counties and in western Kentucky. Kentucky is also the leading U.S. producer of bourbon whiskey. Some of the nation's most popular tourist attractions are in Kentucky. They include Cumberland Falls, Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge, and Land Between the Lakes. Most of the nation's gold reserves are stored in underground vaults at Fort Knox.
The early settlers in the Kentucky region fought many battles with the Indians. Kentucky stayed in the Union during the Civil War (1861-1865), but thousands of Kentuckians joined the Confederate armies. Several Civil War battles took place in Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, the opposing presidents in the Civil War, both were born in Kentucky, less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) apart.
Lexington is Kentucky's largest city. Other large cities, in order of population, are Louisville, Owensboro, Bowling Green, Covington, Hopkinsville, and Frankfort. Frankfort is the state capital. Between 1950 and 1970, thousands of Kentuckians moved from rural to urban areas. In 1950, about a third of the people lived in urban areas. By 1970, city residents made up about half of Kentucky's population.
Horse races are among Kentucky's most important annual events. The most famous race is the Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness in Maryland, and the Belmont Stakes in New York make up the Triple Crown of horse racing in the United States.
Visitors to Kentucky may choose from many scenic attractions, recreational facilities, and historic sites. Mammoth Cave is the state's most famous natural wonder. Cumberland Falls, in southeastern Kentucky, is often called the Niagara of the South. Natural Bridge in Daniel Boone National Forest is also popular with tourists. Most Kentucky cities have famous old homes. Several Civil War battlefields can also be visited. Kentucky's lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
Kentucky got its name from a Cherokee Indian word whose possible meanings include Land of Tomorrow and Meadowland. Another possible meaning, the Dark and Bloody Ground, is often used as a nickname for the state, because Kentucky's history includes much bloody fighting. Kentucky is one of four states officially called Commonwealths. The others are Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Kentucky was named a commonwealth to honor Virginia, which owned the region before Kentucky became a state.
