Kentucky is the 37^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 39,732 sq mi and water area of 679 sq mi. It acquired statehood on June 1, 1792. Kentucky is the 15^th state of the 50 United States of America. The name is derived from a Cherokee word for the area south of the Ohio River. Its meaning is disputed, but some historians believe it means "meadowland". Kentucky is nicknamed The Bluegrass State. The nickname is derived from the famed bluegrass pastures of central Kentucky.

Geography of Kentucky

Capital City: Frankfort
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 4 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 101.7 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, Bowling Green, Covington, Hopkinsville, Frankfort.
Neighbor States: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia.
Natural Treasures: Gem - Freshwater Pearl, Rock - Kentucky Agate, Mineral - Coal.

State Facts:

Kentucky Motto: United we stand, divided we fall.
State Symbols: Bird - Cardinal, Animal - Gray Squirrel, Fish - Kentucky Spotted Bass, Flower - Goldenrod, Tree - Tulip-Poplar, Song - "My Old Kentucky Home".

Economy of Kentucky

Personal income per Capita - $18,093 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Horses, Cattle, Tobacco, Dairy Products, Hogs, Soybeans, Corn.
Industry - Transportation Equipment, Chemical Products, Electric Equipment, Machinery, Food Processing, Tobacco Products, Coal, Tourism.

History of Kentucky

Kentucky became the 15^th state on June 1, 1792, with Frankfort as its capital. World War II (1939-1945) also created jobs with the U.S. military and supplying weapons and food to U.S. soldiers. During the 1960s, the coal industry grew rising to second place nationally. The TVA began building recreational areas in western Kentucky and a steam-generating plant in Paradise. And, Kentucky passed the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, requiring equal employment and housing for all races. In 1990, the Kentucky Education Reform Act provided money for better education. Today, Kentucky is also trying to attract new businesses to the state while developing its traditional industries.

Placed on a navy blue field is the seal and words "Commonwealth of Kentucky". The two friends shaking hands, a pioneer and a statesman, represent all the people. They are acting out the meaning of Kentucky's motto: "United We Stand; Divided We Fall". Sprays of the state flower {goldenrod} extend in a half circle around the picture. Flag adopted 1918 amended in 1928 & 1962.

Famous people of Kentucky

Muhammad Ali (1942-) World heavyweight champion of boxing, was born in Louisville.
George Clooney (1961-) Actor made famous in the television show ER, was born in Lexington.
Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) President of the Confederate States of America, was born in Todd County.
Duncan Hines (1880-1959) Founder of Duncan Hines company, was born in bowling green.

Interesting Facts about Kentucky

• The radio was invented by a Kentuckian named Nathan B. Stubblefield of Murray in 1892.
• Chevrolet Corvettes are manufactured in Bowling Green.
• Cheeseburgers were first served in 1934 at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville.
• The first commercial oil well was on the Cumberland River in McCreary County Kentucky in 1819.