When was Kentucky Founded? Everything You Need to Know about the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Some of you might have wondered, when was Kentucky founded? In honor of Kentucky’s 229th birthday, we are sharing when Kentucky was founded, and how. In 1792, Kentucky became the first U.S. state west of the Appalachian Mountains.
SEE ALSO:Â Best Kentucky Gifts, Souvenirs, Apparel, Gear
Daniel Boone was one of Kentucky’s most prominent explorers. Several immigrants followed him by trailblazing through the Cumberland Gap, known as the Wilderness Road.
During the Civil War, Kentucky sided with the Confederacy, however, the population was very divided as many Kentuckians fought for the North. In the 20th century, Kentucky was mainly known for its agriculture.
Additionally, Kentucky is one of the United States largest coal producer and is the location for military bases Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. As well know today, we are home to the Kentucky Derby, bluegrass, bourbon, and basketball.
- Date of Statehood: June 1, 1792
- Capital: Frankfort
- Population: 4.486 million (2019)
- Size: 40,411 SQ Miles
- Nickname: The Bluegrass State
- Motto: United we stand, divided we fall
- Tree: Tulip Poplar
- Flower: Goldenrod
- Bird: Cardinal
SEE ALSO: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Releases New ‘Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide
Kentucky Was Founded in 1792, But Did You Know ….
- There were 13 battles fought in the state of Kentucky, but more than half of all Americans killed during the war of 1812 were from Kentucky.
SEE ALSO: Top 5 Reasons to Shop Local in Kentucky
- In 1888, nine of the Hatfield family members were convicted at the Pike Country Courthouse in Kentucky for a raid that took place on Randall McCoy’s home in which his son and daughter were killed. The wife was beaten, and the home was burned to the ground. Because of this, there has been a long running feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoy’s of Kentucky. A total of a dozen members were killed. Luckily, in 2013, both families signed a truce which ended the long time hostility that took place.
- Kentucky is the state of the “Happy Birthday to You” song, a melody which was written by Mildred and Patty Hill (sisters) in 1893 while working in Louisville.
- The United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox contains the largest gold reserve in the world. In 2011, the holdings were worth more than $260 billion.
- The Hillbilly Days Festival attracts more than 100,000 people to Pikeville yearly. It started in 1977, and celebrates Appalachian culture, raising money for the Shriners Children Hospital.
- Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky.
- There are many products made in the state of Kentucky, you can see the full list within the link.
- It’s true, 95% of the worlds bourbon comes from Kentucky. Bourbon is the official and native spirit of our state, there is now more than 2 barrels of bourbon for every person in our state!
Still not Kentuckied Out?
SEE ALSO: Was Mother’s Day Invented in Kentucky? Here’s the Answer Behind it All
Be sure to follow our Instagram and ‘Like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Shirt releases, new gear and other fun stuff.
