Kentucky - The Bluegrass State

Kentucky

Kentucky

Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is a land of rolling hills, horse farms, and rich traditions. Located in the southeastern region of the United States, it shares borders with seven other states, making it a key crossroads of American culture and history. Kentucky became the 15th state in 1792 and was the first to be carved out of the original western frontier of Virginia.

Kentucky is famous for its thoroughbred horse racing, particularly the world-renowned Kentucky Derby, held every May in Louisville. It is also home to bluegrass music, Mammoth Cave—the longest cave system in the world—and a long legacy of Appalachian culture. The state’s natural beauty ranges from the rugged Cumberland Mountains in the southeast to fertile farmland in the central Bluegrass region.

NPS video on Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Industrially, Kentucky has strengths in automobile manufacturing, agriculture, and bourbon whiskey production—more than 95% of the world’s bourbon is made here. With a mix of rural charm and urban centers like Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky offers a unique slice of American life where history, nature, and tradition intersect.

Ohio Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region South
    1. Kentucky is world-famous for its thoroughbred horse racing and hosts the annual Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
    2. It is the birthplace of bluegrass music and home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum.
    3. About 95% of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, making it the bourbon capital of the world.
    4. Mammoth Cave in central Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles explored.
    5. Kentucky has more navigable miles of water than any state other than Alaska.
    6. It was originally part of Virginia before becoming its own state in 1792.
    7. Famous people from Kentucky include Abraham Lincoln (born in Hodgenville), Muhammad Ali, and Loretta Lynn.
    8. Fort Knox, which stores much of the United States' gold reserves, is located in Kentucky.
    9. Kentucky is home to Cumberland Falls, sometimes called the “Niagara of the South,” known for its rare “moonbow.”
    10. Its name may come from an Iroquoian word meaning “land of tomorrow.”
Population Approximately 4.5 million
Area 40,408 sq mi
Statehood Date June 1, 1792 (15th state)
Capital City Frankfort
Largest City Louisville
Abbreviation KY
Nickname The Bluegrass State
Geography Appalachian Mountains in the east, rolling hills, rivers, and fertile bluegrass plains
Bordering States Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri
Economy Agriculture (tobacco, horses), manufacturing, energy (coal), bourbon production
State Tree Tulip Poplar
State Bird Northern Cardinal

 

Kentucky Bluegrass

Our Content
Ohio Map

Interactive and Printable Kentucky Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Kentucky maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Kentucky map.

Kentucky History

History of Kentucky

Kentucky was originally part of Virginia but became the 15th state of the United States in 1792. Its early history was shaped by Native American presence, frontier exploration, and its strategic location during the Civil War as a border state.
Daniel Boone

Famous People from Kentucky

Kentucky is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. The state was also home to legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, who blazed trails through the wilderness and helped open Kentucky to early American settlers.

 
Comprehension

Kentucky Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Ohio Symbols

Fun Kentucky Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Kentucky-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Kentucky' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Kentucky and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Kentucky or Not Kentucky, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.