Kentucky: A True Southern State
The "Bluegrass State," exudes a timeless charm rooted in its rich history, diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Renowned for its lush bluegrass fields and thoroughbred horse farms, Kentucky's geography features a diverse tapestry, including rolling hills, expansive forests and winding rivers. From the hallowed grounds of famous battlefields like Perryville and the majestic beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky offers a treasure trove of natural wonders and historic sites. Beyond its natural beauty, Kentucky's bourbon distilleries, Appalachian traditions, and fervent love for basketball all add to its unique cultural identity.
Kentucky: Some Quick Facts
Kentucky is often called the "Bluegrass State" due to the lush bluegrass that grows throughout the state, particularly in its central region. There are a total of 782 towns and cities in Kentucky. Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States on June 1, 1792. The capital city of Kentucky is Frankfort and the largest city in Kentucky is Louisville, with 618,733 residents. Kentucky is renowned for its thoroughbred horse industry and is considered the "Horse Capital of the World" and home to the Kentucky Derby. Kentucky is known for its bourbon production, earning it the title of the "Bourbon Capital of the World." The state's distilleries produce a significant portion of the world's bourbon supply. Kentucky is home to Fort Knox. Kentucky Fried Chicken originated in North Corbin, Kentucky. Kentucky is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Other notable Kentuckians include Ashley Judd, George Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Diane Sawyer and Muhammad Ali.
Historical Overview of Kentucky
Various Native American tribes were the first to inhabit the land that is now known as Kentucky. These indigenous peoples included: The Shawnee, Chickasaw and Cherokee. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker is believed to be the first European-American to explore and name the Cumberland Gap, an essential passage through the Appalachian Mountains into Kentucky. In the late 18th century, Daniel Boone, a legendary frontiersman, and explorer, blazed the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap, opening the region for settlement. In 1776, Kentucky County was formed as a Virginia county. The region's population grew rapidly, and on June 1, 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States. Kentucky's history was shaped by its complex relationship with slavery. While it was a slave-holding state, it also had a significant abolitionist movement. During the Civil War, Kentucky was a border state, meaning it did not secede from the Union but had residents fighting for both the Union and the Confederacy. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. Kentucky's rich agricultural heritage and fertile soil made it an ideal location for growing corn, a key ingredient in bourbon whiskey. In the 20th century, Kentucky saw significant developments in industry, particularly in coal mining and manufacturing. The state also played a role in the civil rights movement, with key events such as the "Bloody Monday" election riot in Louisville.
The Natural Geography of Kentucky
Located in the southeastern region of the United States, Kentucky is known for its natural beauty and varied terrain. Kentucky is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The eastern part of Kentucky is part of the Appalachian Mountains, featuring rugged terrain, deep valleys and forested hills. The Cumberland Plateau and the Daniel Boone National Forest are prominent features of this region. Central Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass Region, renowned for its gently rolling hills and fertile pastures covered with bluegrass, giving the area its name. This region is famous for horse breeding, especially thoroughbred horses and is home to world-famous horse farms and race tracks. The northern border of Kentucky is defined by the Ohio River, one of the major rivers in the United States. The river plays a vital role in the state's transportation, trade, and commerce. Located in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest known cave system. Kentucky is home to several cities and urban centers. Louisville, situated along the Ohio River, is the largest city and serves as a cultural, economic and transportation hub. Lexington, in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, is known for its equestrian heritage and historic charm.
Kentucky Relocation Guide
The state of Kentucky has a lot to offer those people who are looking to relocate. When most people think of Kentucky, they immediately think of horses, so it's important to mention that two major Kentucky cities (Lexington and Louisville) are major equestrian centers. Additionally, many of the attractions revolve around these two cities in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky is a huge draw in Lexington, and as a result, many of the biggest businesses, best restaurants and nicest homes and apartments are located there.
Cost of living and housing in the state of Kentucky is extremely affordable. In places like Lexington, Louisville, and Covington (a suburb of Cincinnati), things are quite urban. There are opportunities to either live in a house or live in affordable apartments within these cities. For those people who live in more rural areas, housing is even more affordable and dominated by single family homes with large areas of land. The schools in Kentucky are solid, with a higher than average number of students going to public schools to begin with. One thing to note about the state is that its economy has struggled mightily, with rare exceptions occurring in Lexington and the capital city of Frankfurt. Crime rates in Kentucky fall below the national average levels, so for the most part, Kentucky is a very safe place to live.
