Things that Kentucky is Known For

Kentucky has created a place for itself in history through famous individuals heralding from the bluegrass state, natural attractions that can be found there, its captivating personality, and other little-known facts. Above most other things, however, Kentucky is known for its horses and horse racing, bluegrass music, and college basketball.

While the “feel” of Kentucky is distinctly Southern, it has a rich blend of foods, entertainment, and other Northern and Midwestern contributors. Kentucky has many state symbols, including the state bird – the Cardinal, the state horse – the Thoroughbred, the state song – “My Old Kentucky Home,” and the state slogan – “Unbridled Spirit.” With these and other similar icons, residents of Kentucky have developed an identity unique to their experience that they can cling to as part of their heritage.

Many natural attractions can be found in Kentucky, making it an excellent choice as a location to visit. Some of the important locations are:

• Cumberland Gap – where the early Americans passed through the Appalachian Mountains.
• Mammoth Cave National Park – which has the world’s longest cave.
• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site.
• Bernheim Forest – which features an arboretum, forest, and nature preserve all on 14,000 acres.
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Finally, there are many things that people do not realize about the state of Kentucky – little-known facts about the state and the happenings there. Here are a few of the pieces of trivia that Kentucky claims:

• Both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis (the opposing leaders during the Civil War) were born in Kentucky.
• Thomas Edison’s light bulb was first viewed in the Old Louisville neighborhood.
• Garrett Morgan, a Kentuckian, invented the red/yellow/green traffic signals and the gas mask.
• A Baptist minister in Kentucky was the first to produce Bourbon whiskey.
• The University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team has won the most games in the history of college basketball.
• Many famous writers and performers were born in Kentucky, including George Cloony, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Depp, John Hensley, and Hunter S Thompson.