Kentucky is known for more things than just its celebrated fried chicken. Kentucky earned the nickname “bluegrass state” due to a specific type of grass that grows in the Northeast of the U.S. It grows well in cool, moist environments. It’s called bluegrass because when allowed to grow to 2-3 feet it has blue flowers, and it even earned itself the nickname “Kentucky Bluegrass” for being so common in Kentucky.
On this day June 1st, in 1792, Kentucky is admitted into the U.S. becoming the 15th state. It should also be noted the Kentucky is considered to be a Southern-State. The etymology of Kentucky’s name comes from an Iroquois word which means meadow land, due to the abundance of livestock.
Being that Kentucky has such fertile ground it should be of no surprise that it has some of the highest quality livestock – including horses. Not for eating. The Kentucky Derby is held annually, and is probably the most riveting and invigorating two minute sport in the world. For two weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby there is the Kentucky Derby Festival held continuously since 1956. There’s a hot air balloon race, fireworks, a steamboat race, parades, and general festivity! This is a cultural event that any of the 4,369,356 Kentuckians get to be a part of.