16 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the State of Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Updated on February 24, 2021(Originally published February 17, 2021)
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
There is a lot of here say that goes on about Kentucky. People here will say one thing, while people in other states may or may not agree. The Bluegrass State has an interesting reputation based on the obvious, like horse racing. However, there is more to our Thoroughbred state than some people may realize. Most of it we can be proud of. A thing or two, we just accept happens, and move forward. In fact, you’ll find that there are quite a few interesting facts about Kentucky, including Kentucky-made inventions, famous people, and iconic places!
Here are 16 things most people don’t know about Kentucky:
Today’s boxed confectionaries started as a real person in Bowling Green. These delicious baked goods are something that we can be real proud of! Who doesn’t love a good cake?
Confederate troops occupied this Union capital during the war, making it the only Union capital occupied by enemy forces. This is interesting Kentucky trivia that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!
The world's very first tub of this type was created in Louisville in 1856. Now it is a staple inside homes all throughout the world. It’s truly an amazing creation.
Ironically, this county is home to the Lost Mountain Coal Mine, abandoned over 40 years due to underground coal fires. Black plumes of smoke still flow from the fires to this day. One of those weird things about living in Kentucky is seeing fires that haven’t burned out in over 40 years!
The very first recognized commercial oil well was built in PA, circa 1859. However, salt wells along the Ohio were drilled via cable. One of these was near Burkesville and produced both natural gas and oil in 1828. It was then sold as an elixir or illuminating oils. In all fairness… a well in OH did it in 1814. You can definitely say that Kentucky residents were ahead of their time!
This ancient temple in Covington has a 67’ by 24" hand blown glass image of Ephesus, and is the largest hand blown stained glass window in the world. It’s an amazing and wonderful little fact, and something you need to see in person to really take it all in.
Ironically, this amber elixir was first distilled in Bourbon County. And now bourbon has a world class following, and is enjoyed all around the planet!
The Kentucky Governor when sworn into office, must swear he/she has never fought a duel with a deadly weapon. It’s comforting to know that our governor has not fought a duel with a deadly weapon. At least not yet!
The first red Corvette was made in Bowling Green. Now this is one reason why living in Kentucky is so fantastic. We’re proud to brag that gorgeous cars are from our awesome state!
This beautifully preserved Victorian Era neighborhood is the largest, most well preserved section of Victorian architecture in the world. If you have a chance, take a tour and admire some of this classic architecture.
This Kentucky city was almost our nation’s capital. DC took the title because of its port access. It’s interesting to think how history would look different if Richmond was the country’s capital!
Over 7000 liters of Bourbon are consumed during the Kentucky Derby Festival. This doesn’t include the amount of Bourbon consumed otherwise. Bourbon is a staple in our great state, and rightly so. And it’s so delicious the rest of the country has jumped on board, too!
Did you know all of these interesting facts about Kentucky? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
The Bluegrass State has a very colorful and entertaining history, with a few old traditions still honored today, even in politics. We have stuck to the southern code, for the most part. If you know of any other interesting, or little known facts about Kentucky, feel free to comment.
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More to Explore
Interesting Facts About Kentucky
Megan McDonald|February 23, 2021
Are there more interesting facts about Kentucky that we don’t know about?
There definitely are! One more interesting thing is that both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis were born in Kentucky, only 100 miles away from each other, and only one year apart. Kentucky has contributed many great people to our nation’s history!
What is Kentucky famous for?
Kentucky is famous for many things, but the top two things its most famous for are the Kentucky Derby horse race, and the fact that it’s the birthplace of bourbon.
