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			{{About|the U.S. state|the river|Kentucky River|other uses}}
	James lives in Kentucky
			{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
	{{short description|State of the United States of America}}
			{{Pp-move}}
	{{about|the Commonwealth of Kentucky|the river|Kentucky River|other uses}}
	{{use American English|date=August 2019}}		{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
	{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}		{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
	{{Infobox U.S. state		{{Infobox U.S. state
	| name = Kentucky		| name = Kentucky
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	| image_seal = Seal_of_Kentucky.svg		| image_seal = Seal_of_Kentucky.svg
	| image_map = Kentucky in United States.svg		| image_map = Kentucky in United States.svg
	| nickname = Bluegrass State		| nickname = The Bluegrass State
	| Former = Part of ] (District of Kentucky)		| Former = Part of ] (])
	| population_demonym = Kentuckian		| population_demonym = Kentuckian
	| motto = '']''<br />''Deo gratiam habeamus''<br />(Let us be grateful to God)		| motto = ''United we stand, divided we fall''<br />''Deo gratiam habeamus''<br />(Let us be grateful to God)
	| anthem = ]		| anthem = ]
	| seat = ]		| seat = ]
	| OfficialLang = English<ref name="kysym">{{cite web |title=Kentucky State Symbols |publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives |url = http://kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703084450/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2007 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>		| OfficialLang = English<ref name="kysym">{{cite web |title=Kentucky State Symbols |publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives |url = http://kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703084450/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2007 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	| LargestCity = ]		| LargestCity = ]
			| LargestCounty = ]
	| LargestMetro = ] <!--The majority of the Cincinnati/NKY population lies in Ohio.-->
			| LargestMetro = ]{{efn|name=MSA|However, a portion of the larger ] does extend into the state.}}
	| Governor = {{nowrap|] (])}}		| Governor = {{nowrap|] (])}}
	| Lieutenant Governor = {{nowrap|] (D)}}		| Lieutenant Governor = {{nowrap|] (D)}}
	| Legislature = ]		| Legislature = ]
	| Upperhouse = ]		| Upperhouse = ]
	| Lowerhouse = ]		| Lowerhouse = ]
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	| TradAbbreviation = Ky		| TradAbbreviation = Ky
	| area_rank = 37th		| area_rank = 37th
	| area_total_sq_mi = 40,407		| area_total_sq_mi = 40,408
	| area_total_km2 = 104,656		| area_total_km2 = 104,656
	| area_land_sq_mi = 39,486		| area_land_sq_mi = 39,486
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	| area_water_km2 = 2,387		| area_water_km2 = 2,387
	| area_water_percent = 2.2		| area_water_percent = 2.2
	| population_as_of = 2019		| population_as_of = 2020
	| population_rank = 26th		| population_rank = 26th
			| 2010Pop = {{increaseNeutral}} 4,505,836<ref name="Census2020">{{cite web |title=2020 Census Apportionment Results |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2020/dec/2020-apportionment-data.html |website=census.gov |publisher=] |access-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426210008/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2020/dec/2020-apportionment-data.html |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	| 2010Pop = 4,467,673
	| population_density_rank = 21st		| population_density_rank = 24th
	||MedianHouseholdIncome = $52,295<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/median-annual-income/?currentTimeframe=0|website=The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation|title=Median Annual Household Income|access-date=May 14, 2019}}</ref>		| MedianHouseholdIncome = $52,295<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/median-annual-income/?currentTimeframe=0|website=The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation|title=Median Annual Household Income|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220091007/http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/median-annual-income/?currentTimeframe=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
			| IncomeRank = ]
	| IncomeRank = 44th
	| 2000DensityUS = 110		| 2000DensityUS = 114
	| 2000Density = 42.5		| 2000Density = 44
	| AdmittanceOrder = 15th		| AdmittanceOrder = 15th
	| AdmittanceDate = June 1, 1792		| AdmittanceDate = June 1, 1792
	| timezone1 = ]		| timezone1 = ]
	| utc_offset1 = −05:00		| utc_offset1 = −05:00
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	| utc_offset1_DST = −04:00		| utc_offset1_DST = −04:00
	| timezone1_location = eastern half		| timezone1_location = eastern half
	| timezone2 = ]		| timezone2 = ]
	| utc_offset2 = −06:00		| utc_offset2 = −06:00
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	| utc_offset2_DST = −05:00		| utc_offset2_DST = −05:00
	| timezone2_location = western half		| timezone2_location = western half
	| Latitude = 36° 30′ N to 39° 09′ N		| Latitude = 36° 30′ N to 39° 09′ N
	| Longitude = 81° 58′ W to 89° 34′ W		| Longitude = 81° 58′ W to 89° 34′ W
	| width_mi = 185		| width_mi = 187
	| width_km = 298		| width_km = 302
	| length_mi = 395		| length_mi = 397
	| length_km = 636		| length_km = 640
	| elevation_max_point = ]<ref name=USGS>{{cite web |url = http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |title = Elevations and Distances in the United States |publisher=] |year=2001 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111015012701/http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |archive-date=October 15, 2011 }}</ref>{{NoteTag|Elevation adjusted to ].|name=NAVD88}}		| elevation_max_point = ]<ref name=USGS>{{cite web |url = http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |title = Elevations and Distances in the United States |publisher=] |year=2001 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111015012701/http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |archive-date=October 15, 2011 }}</ref>{{efn|name=NAVD88|Elevation adjusted to ].}}
	| elevation_max_ft = 4,145		| elevation_max_ft = 4,145
	| elevation_max_m = 1265		| elevation_max_m = 1265
	| elevation_ft = 750		| elevation_ft = 750
	| elevation_m = 230		| elevation_m = 230
	| elevation_min_point = ] at {{nobreak|]}}<ref name="USGS" />{{NoteTag|name=NAVD88}}		| elevation_min_point = ] at {{nowrap|]}}<ref name="USGS" />{{efn|name=NAVD88}}
	| elevation_min_ft = 250		| elevation_min_ft = 250
	| elevation_min_m = 78		| elevation_min_m = 78
	| iso_code = US-KY		| iso_code = US-KY
	| website = Kentucky.gov		| website = Kentucky.gov
			| Capital =
			| Representatives =
			| House Speaker =
			| Senate Pro Tem =
	}}		}}
	{{Infobox U.S. state symbols		{{Infobox region symbols|country=United States
	|Name= Kentucky		|state= Kentucky
	|Flag = Flag of Kentucky.svg		|image_flag = Flag of Kentucky.svg
	|Seal = Seal of Kentucky.svg		|image_seal = Seal of Kentucky.svg
	|Bird= ]		|bird= ]
	|Butterfly= ]		|butterfly= ]
	|Wildlife animal = ]		|wildlife_animal = ]
	|Horse = ]		|horse = ]
	|Fish= ]		|fish= ]
	|Flower= ]		|flower= ]
	|Insect= ]		|insect= ]
	|Tree= ]		|tree= ]
	|Beverage= ]		|beverage= {{ubl|]|]}}
	|Dance= ]		|dance= ]
	|Food= ]		|food= ]
	|Fossil= ]		|fossil= ]
	|Gemstone= ]		|gemstone= ]
	|Mineral= ]		|mineral= ]
	|Rock= ]		|rock= ]
	|Slogan= Kentucky Unbridled Spirit		|slogan= Kentucky Unbridled Spirit
	|Soil= Crider Soil Series		|soil= ]
	|Other= ] (state sports car)		|other= ] (state sports car)
	|Route Marker= Elongated circle 3.svg		|image_route= Elongated circle 3.svg
	|Quarter= 2001 KY Proof.png		|image_quarter= 2001 KY Proof.png
	|QuarterReleaseDate= 2001		|quarter_release_date= 2001
	}}		}}
	'''Kentucky''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Kentucky.ogg|US|k|ə|n|ˈ|t|ʌ|k|i}} {{respell|kən|TUK|ee}}, {{IPAc-en|UK|k|ɛ|n|-}} {{respell|ken|-}}),<ref>{{cite LPD|3}}</ref> officially the '''Commonwealth of Kentucky''', is a ] in the ] ], bordered by ], ], and ] to the north; ] and ] to the east; ] to the south; and ] to the west. The ] in the central part of the commonwealth contains the commonwealth's capital, ], as well as its two largest cities, ] and ]. Together they comprise more than 20% of the commonwealth's population.<sup></sup> Kentucky is the ] and the ] of the ].		'''Kentucky''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Kentucky.ogg|US|k|ə|n|ˈ|t|ʌ|k|i}}, {{IPAc-en|UK|k|ɛ|n|-}}),<ref>{{cite LPD|3}}</ref> officially the '''Commonwealth of Kentucky''',{{efn|Kentucky is one of ] to use the term "Commonwealth" in its official name, along with ], ], and ].}} is a landlocked ] in the ] region of the ]. It borders ], ], and ] to the north, ] to the northeast, ] to the east, ] to the south, and ] to the west. Its northern border is defined by the ]. Its capital is ] and its ] is ]. As of 2020, the state's population was approximately 4.5 million.<ref name="Census2020"/>
	Kentucky was admitted into the Union as the 15th state on June 1, 1792, splitting from ] in the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pr51st.com/kentucky/|title=How Kentucky Became a State|date=August 8, 2014|website=Puerto Rico 51st|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2020}}</ref> It is known as the "Bluegrass State", a nickname based on ], a species of grass found in many of its pastures, which has supported the thoroughbred horse industry in the center of the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/kentucky/state-nickname/bluegrass-state|title=The Bluegrass State {{!}} State Symbols USA|website=statesymbolsusa.org|access-date=March 19, 2020}}</ref> It is home to the world's longest cave system: ], as well as the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the ] and the two largest man-made lakes east of the ]. The state is also known for ], ], ], ], ] historic state park, ], ], ], ], ] ]s, ], and the ].		Previously part of Virginia, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as the fifteenth state on June 1, 1792.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pr51st.com/kentucky/|title=How Kentucky Became a State|date=August 8, 2014|website=Puerto Rico 51st|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221205433/http://www.pr51st.com/kentucky/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is known as the "Bluegrass State" in reference to ], a species of grass introduced by European settlers which has long supported the state's ] horse industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Bluegrass State |url=https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/kentucky/state-nickname/bluegrass-state |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421220530/https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/kentucky/state-nickname/bluegrass-state |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=State Symbols USA|date=June 2014 }}</ref>
	]", was written in 1852 by ]]]
			The fertile soil in the central and western parts of the state led to the development of large tobacco plantations similar to those in Virginia and ], which utilized ] prior to the passage of the ]. Kentucky ranks fifth nationally in goat farming, eighth in ] production,<ref>{{cite web |title=2007 Rankings of States and Counties |url=http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504170140/http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm |archive-date=May 4, 2006 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Alabama Cattlemen's Association}}</ref> and fourteenth in corn production.<ref name="econedlink2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/EM453/docs/em453_Corn_Production_Det_Answers.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605025350/http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/EM453/docs/em453_Corn_Production_Det_Answers.pdf |archive-date=June 5, 2007 |title=Corn Production Detective |publisher=National Council on Economic Education |access-date=May 3, 2007}}</ref> While Kentucky has been a long-standing center for the tobacco industry, its economy has diversified into non-agricultural sectors including auto manufacturing, energy production, and medicine.<ref name="Hunt 2019 9–14">{{Cite journal|title=Are Kentucky Farmers Prepared for Farm-Related Emergencies?|journal = Journal of Agromedicine|volume = 24|issue=1|pages = 9–14|last=Hunt|first=Matthew|date=2019|doi=10.1080/1059924x.2018.1536571|pmid = 30317936|s2cid = 52977999 | issn=1059-924X}}</ref> Kentucky ranks fourth among US states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled.<ref name="Tradeandindustrydev.com">{{cite web |last=Strong |first=Marvin E. "Gene" Jr. |date=December 31, 2003 |title=Kentucky: In the Middle of Auto Alley |url=http://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/kentucky/kentucky-in-middle-auto-alley-429 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814053224/https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/kentucky/kentucky-middle-auto-alley-429 |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |access-date=November 28, 2012 |publisher=Trade and Industry Development}}</ref> It is one of several states considered part of the ].
	]]]
			The state is home to the world's longest known cave system in ], the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the ], and the nation's two largest artificial lakes east of the ]. ] include ], ], ], ], ], automobile manufacturing, tobacco, ], ], ], ], ] baseball bats, and ].
	==Etymology==		==Etymology==
			Prior to 1769, ] and successor counties in the ], whose geographical extent was south of the ] and ] beyond the ], became known to European Americans as '']''. It was named for the ], a tributary of the Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson and Parrish |title=Kentucky River Development: The Commonwealth's Waterways |url=http://www.uky.edu/WaterResources/KCEWM/PDF/History%20of%20the%20Kentucky%20River.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111161541/http://www.uky.edu/WaterResources/KCEWM/PDF/History%20of%20the%20Kentucky%20River.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |website=University of Kentucky}}</ref>
			The precise etymology of the name is uncertain.<ref>{{OEtymD|Kentucky|access-date=February 25, 2007}}
	In 1776 the counties of ] beyond the ] became known to European Americans as ],<ref name="About Kentucky">{{cite web| title=About Kentucky| publisher=Ezilon Search| url=http://search.ezilon.com/about-kentucky.html| access-date=November 29, 2006| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110134726/http://search.ezilon.com/about-kentucky.html| archive-date=November 10, 2006| url-status=dead}}</ref> named for the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uky.edu/WaterResources/KCEWM/PDF/History%20of%20the%20Kentucky%20River.pdf|title=Kentucky River Development: The Commonwealth's Waterways|last=Johnson and Parrish}}</ref> The precise etymology of the name is uncertain,<ref>{{OEtymD|Kentucky|access-date=February 25, 2007}}
	{{cite web |url=http://0-dictionary.oed.com.clicnet4.clic.edu/cgi/entry/50126019 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5QmSe2SRR?url=http://0-dictionary.oed.com.clicnet4.clic.edu/cgi/entry/50126019 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 2, 2007 |title=Kentucky |access-date=February 25, 2007 |website=] }}</ref> but likely based on an ] name meaning "(on) the meadow" or "(on) the prairie"<ref name="Mithun">Mithun, Marianne. 1999. ''Languages of Native North America''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pg. 312</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554924/Kentucky.html |title=Kentucky |access-date=February 25, 2007 |encyclopedia=Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030052538/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554924/Kentucky.html |archive-date=October 30, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (cf. ] ''kenhtà:ke'', ] ''gëdá'geh'' (] {{IPA|/kẽtaʔkeh/}}), "at the field").<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n8uvs6Qw3pEC&pg=PA250 | title=Native American Place Names of Indiana | publisher=University of Illinois Press | author=McCafferty, Michael | year=2008 | page=250| isbn=9780252032684 }}</ref>		{{cite web |url=http://0-dictionary.oed.com.clicnet4.clic.edu/cgi/entry/50126019 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5QmSe2SRR?url=http://0-dictionary.oed.com.clicnet4.clic.edu/cgi/entry/50126019 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 2, 2007 |title=Kentucky |access-date=February 25, 2007 |website=] }}</ref> One theory sees the word based on an ] name meaning "(on) the meadow" or "(on) the prairie"<ref name=Mithun>Mithun, Marianne. 1999. ''Languages of Native North America''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pg. 312</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554924/Kentucky.html |title=Kentucky |access-date=February 25, 2007 |encyclopedia=Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030052538/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554924/Kentucky.html |archive-date=October 30, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (cf. ] ''{{Lang|moh|kenhtà:ke}}'', ] ''{{Lang|see|gëdá'geh}}'' (] {{IPA|/kɛ̃taʔkɛh/}}), "at the field").<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n8uvs6Qw3pEC&pg=PA250 | title=Native American Place Names of Indiana | publisher=University of Illinois Press | author=McCafferty, Michael | year=2008 | page=250| isbn=9780252032684 }}</ref> Another theory suggests a derivation from the term ''{{Lang|alg|Kenta Aki}}'', which could have come from an ], in particular from ]. Folk etymology translates this as "Land of Our Fathers". The closest approximation in another Algonquian language, ], translates as "Land of Our In-Laws", thus making a fairer English translation "The Land of Those Who Became Our Fathers".<ref>Nichols, John & Nyholm, Earl. ''Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe'', 1994.</ref> In any case, the word ''{{Lang|alg|aki}}'' means "land" in most Algonquian languages.
			==History==
	Others have suggested the term ''Kenta Aki'', which could have come from an ] and was possibly derived from ]. Folk etymology translates this as "Land of Our Fathers". The closest approximation in another Algonquian language, ], translates as "Land of Our In-Laws", thus making a fairer English translation "The Land of Those Who Became Our Fathers".<ref>Nichols, John & Nyholm, Earl. ''Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe'', 1994.</ref> In any case, the word ''aki'' means "land" in most Algonquian languages. Some also theorize that the name Kentucky may be a corruption of the word Catawba, in reference to the ] people who inhabited Kentucky.
			{{Main|History of Kentucky}}
			===Native American settlement===
	==Geography==
			The first archaeological evidence of human occupation of Kentucky is approximately 9500BCE, and it was Clovis culture, primitive hunter-gatherers with stone tools. Around 1800 BCE, a gradual transition began from a hunter-gatherer economy to agriculturalism. Around 900 CE, a ] took root in western and central Kentucky and a ] culture appeared in eastern Kentucky. While the two had many similarities, the distinctive ceremonial earthwork mounds constructed in the former's centers were not part of the culture of the latter. Fort Ancient settlements depended largely on corn, beans, and squash, and practiced a system of agriculture that prevented ecological degradation by rotating crops, ] sections of forest to create ideal habitat for wild game, relocating villages every 10–30 years, and continually shifting the location of fields to maintain plots of land in various stages of ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Patrick |first1=Andrew P. |title=Birth of the Bluegrass: Ecological Transformations in Central Kentucky to 1810 |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2017 |volume=115 |issue=2 |pages=155–182|doi=10.1353/khs.2017.0049 |s2cid=133557743 }}</ref>
			In about the 10th century, the Kentucky native people's variety of corn became highly productive, supplanting the ] and replacing it with maize-based agriculture in the ]. As of the 16th century, what became Kentucky was home to tribes from diverse linguistic groups. The ], an ] tribe, controlled much of the interior of the state.<ref>Louis, Franquelin, Jean Baptiste. "Franquelin's map of Louisiana.". LOC.gov. Retrieved August 17, 2017.</ref>
	{{See also|List of counties in Kentucky|Coal mining in Kentucky}}
	]
			French explorers in the 17th century documented numerous tribes living in Kentucky until the ] in the 1670s; however, by the time that European colonial explorers and settlers began entering Kentucky in greater numbers in the mid-18th century, there were no major Native American settlements in the region.
			The ] had territory up to the confluence of Mississippi and Ohio rivers. During a period known as the ] (1640–1680), another Algonquian tribe called the ], or ] was chased out of southern Michigan.<ref>"Early Indian Migration in Ohio." GenealogyTrails.com. Retrieved August 17, 2017.</ref> The vast majority of them moved to Kentucky, pushing the Kispoko east and war broke out with the ] of North Carolina and Virginia that pushed them further north and east. The Maumee were closely related to the ] from Indiana. Later, the Kispoko merged with the ], who migrated from the east and the Ohio River valley.
			A persistent myth, perpetuated in many popular and scholarly works, alleges that Native Americans never lived permanently in Kentucky, but rather used it only as a "hunting ground."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henderson |first1=A. Gwynn |title=Dispelling the Myth: Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Indian Life in Kentucky |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2018 |volume=90 |issue=1 |pages=1–25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Native Americans of Clay County & Kentucky |url=https://www.claycountykentucky.org/history/indians/ |website=claycountykentucky.org}}</ref> According to early Kentucky historians, early European settlers encountered extensive evidence of permanent, advanced settlements, including numerous burial mounds, ] and stone ], and what early historians describe as "fortifications:" large sites consisting of extensive walls enclosing the flat tops of bluffs, cliffs or mountains, constructed from stone that was ] in the surrounding valleys and brought up to the summit.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cotterill |first1=Robert S. |title=History of Pioneer Kentucky |date=1917 |publisher=Johnson & Hardin |location=Cincinnati |pages=36–37}}</ref> These sites and artifacts were sometimes explained as being the remnants of a "lost" white race,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cotterill |first1=Robert S. |title=History of Pioneer Kentucky |date=1917 |publisher=Johnson & Hardin |location=Cincinnati |page=30}}</ref> or some variously identified ethnic group predating and distinct from the Native Americans.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ranck |first1=George W. |title=History of Lexington Kentucky |date=1872 |publisher=Robert Clarke & Co |location=Cincinnati |page=12}}</ref> More recent scholarship identifies the mound builders as the Mississippian and Fort Ancient peoples, which were distinct from the indigenous cultures encountered by settlers, although sharing the same origin in Paleoindian groups that inhabited the area for at least 12,000 years.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henderson |first1=A. Gwynn |title=Dispelling the Myth: Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Indian Life in Kentucky |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2018 |volume=90 |issue=1 |pages=6–7}}</ref>
			Beginning in the seventeenth century, before indigenous groups in Kentucky made direct contact with Europeans, articles of European origin such as glass ]s entered the region via ]s, and the appearance of ]s suggests that European diseases were also introduced.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henderson |first1=A. Gwynn |title=Dispelling the Myth: Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Indian Life in Kentucky |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2018 |volume=90 |issue=1 |page=17}}</ref> By the eighteenth century, epidemics of disease had destabilized and changed the indigenous groups that inhabited Kentucky, causing some to reassemble into multi-tribal towns, and others to ] further from the sphere of European influence.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henderson |first1=A. Gwynn |title=Dispelling the Myth: Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Indian Life in Kentucky |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2018 |volume=90 |issue=1 |pages=18–22}}</ref> Around the end of the French and Indian War, as European settlers began to claim parts of the Bluegrass State, Native Americans abandoned their larger, more permanent villages south of the Ohio River and continued to maintain only small or transient settlements. This upheaval likely led the settlers to believe that Kentucky was a hunting ground contested by multiple tribes but not permanently inhabited, when in reality it had only recently been abandoned due to social and political turmoil.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henderson |first1=A. Gwynn |title=Dispelling the Myth: Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Indian Life in Kentucky |journal=The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society |date=2018 |volume=90 |issue=1 |pages=24–25}}</ref>
			===Early explorations: the discovery of Kentucky===
			{{See also|Kentucke's Frontiers}}
			European explorers arrived in Kentucky possibly as early as 1671. While French explorers surely spied Kentucky during expeditions on the Mississippi, there is no evidence French or Spanish explorers set foot in the lands south of the Ohio, notwithstanding speculations about Hernando de Soto and Robert de la Salle. The terrain in those days was not surveyed, so there is some uncertainty whether and to what extent the early English explorers out of Virginia set foot on the land. Confounding the issue is that the region south of the Ohio/Allegheny later known as ''Kentucky country'' was larger than the state of Kentucky today, encompassing most of today's West Virginia and (vaguely) part of southwestern Pennsylvania.<ref>"South of the Ohio" was almost, but not quite, synonymous with ''Kentucky country''.</ref> Notable expeditions were Batts and Fallam 1671, Needham and Arthur 1673.<ref>The First Explorations of the Trans-Allegheny Region by the Virginians 1650–1674</ref> Thomas Walker and surveyor Christopher Gist surveyed the area now known as Kentucky in 1750 and 1751.
			===European settlement: The Treaty of Fort Stanwix 1768===
			{{further|Transylvania Colony|Lord Dunmore's War|Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1768)}}
			{{See also|Indian Reserve (1763)}}
			As more settlers entered the area, warfare broke out with the Native Americans over their traditional hunting grounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merceronline.com/Native/native01.htm |title=The Presence |publisher=Mercer County Online |access-date=November 29, 2006 |website=History of Native Americans in Central Kentucky |archive-date=December 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212023438/http://www.merceronline.com/Native/native01.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			June 16, 1774, James Harrod founded Harrod's Town (modern Harrodsburg). The settlement was abandoned during the conflict period of Dunmore's War, and resettled in March 1775, becoming the first permanent European settlement in Kentucky. It was followed within months by Boone's Station, Logan's Fort and Lexington before Kentucky was organized.
			This period was the time of Daniel Boone's legendary expeditions starting in 1767 through the Cumberland Gap and down the Kentucky River to reach the bluegrass heartland of Kentucky.
			While the ] did not settle in Kentucky, they hunted there. They relinquished their hunting rights there in an extra-legal private contract with speculator Richard Henderson called '']'' in 1775.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Murphree |first1=Daniel S. |title=Native America: A State-by-State Historical Encyclopedia |date=2012 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara, CA |isbn=9780313381270 |page=395 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0UNzFCOYTU4C |access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326164802/https://books.google.com/books?id=0UNzFCOYTU4C |url-status=live }}</ref>
			===Kentucky County and the Cherokee-American wars===
			{{Further information|Kentucky County, Virginia|Cherokee-American wars|Fort Nelson (Kentucky)|History of Louisville, Kentucky}}
			On December 31, 1776, by an act of the ], the portion of ] west of the ] (including today's ] tributary) terminating at the North Carolina border (today Tennessee) extending to the Mississippi River, previously most of what was known as ''Kentucky (or Kentucke) country'', was split off into its own county of ]. Harrod's Town (Oldtown as it was known at the time) was named the county seat.
			A 1790 U.S. government report states that 1,500{{spaces}}Kentucky settlers had been killed by Native Americans since the end of the ].<ref>{{cite book|author=James, James Alton|title=The Life of George Rogers Clark|location= Chicago|publisher= ]|year= 1928|isbn=978-0-404-03549-5}}</ref>
			===Statehood===
			[[File:Kentucky Statehood 150th Anniversary, 3c, 1942 issue.jpg|thumb
			|In 1942 the U.S. Post Office issued a postage stamp ] the 150th anniversary of Kentucky statehood, a 3-cent 1942 issue]]
			The county was subdivided into ], ] and ] Counties in 1780, but continued to be administered as the District of Kentucky even as new counties were split off.
			On several occasions the region's residents petitioned the General Assembly and the ] for separation from Virginia and ]. Ten constitutional conventions were held in ] between 1784 and 1792.
			One petition, which had Virginia's assent, came before the Confederation Congress in early July 1788. Unfortunately, its consideration came up a day after word of ]'s all-important ninth ] of the proposed ], thus establishing it as the new framework of governance for the United States. In light of this development, Congress thought that it would be "unadvisable" to admit Kentucky into the Union, as it could do so "under the Articles of Confederation" only, but not "under the Constitution", and so declined to take action.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kesavan|first1=Vasan|title=When Did the Articles of Confederation Cease to Be Law|journal=Notre Dame Law Review|date=December 1, 2002|volume=78|issue=1|pages=70–71|url=http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol78/iss1/3|access-date=October 31, 2015|archive-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052616/http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol78/iss1/3/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			On December 18, 1789, Virginia again gave its consent to Kentucky statehood. The ] gave its approval on February 4, 1791.<ref>{{USStat|1|189}}</ref> (This occurred two weeks before Congress approved ]'s petition for statehood.<ref>{{USStat|1|191}}</ref>) Kentucky officially became the fifteenth state in the Union on June 1, 1792. ], a military veteran from Virginia, was elected its first Governor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution Square State Historic Site |publisher=Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau |url=http://www.danville-ky.com/attractions2.php?category=History%20and%20Museums |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011230008/http://danville-ky.com/attractions2.php?category=History%20and%20Museums |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			===Post-colonial plantation economy===
			] near ]]]
			{{See also|History of slavery in Kentucky}}
			The central ] and the western portion of the state were the areas with the most ]. ] cultivated ] and ] on plantations with the use of slave labor, and were noted for their quality ]. During the 19th century, Kentucky slaveholders began to sell unneeded slaves to the ], with Louisville becoming a major slave market and departure port for slaves being transported down the Ohio River.
			===The Civil War===
			{{Main|Border states (American Civil War)|Kentucky in the American Civil War}}
			Kentucky was a heavily divided slave state during the ]. Though the state had dueling Union and Confederate state governments, Kentucky was never an official component of the Confederacy. ] the Southern ] during the war, and it remained neutral within the ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Border States in the Civil War | date=February 15, 2002 | publisher=CivilWarHome.com | url=http://www.civilwarhome.com/borderstates.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=December 8, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208033207/http://www.civilwarhome.com/borderstates.htm }}</ref> Despite this, representatives from 68 of 110 counties met at ] calling themselves the "Convention of the People of Kentucky" and passed an ] on November 20, 1861.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ordinances of Secession | publisher=Historical Text Archive | url=http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=170 | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123052735/http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=170 | archive-date=November 23, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> They established a ] with its capital in ], and Kentucky was officially admitted into the Confederacy on December 10, 1861, as the 13th Confederate state with full recognition in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web | title=Civil War Sites – Bowling Green, KY | publisher=WMTH Corporation | url=http://www.trailsrus.com/monuments/reg3/bowling_green.html | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=October 9, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009101515/http://www.trailsrus.com/monuments/reg3/bowling_green.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The Confederate shadow government was never popularly elected statewide, though 116 delegates were sent representing 68 Kentucky counties which at the time made up a little over half the territory of the Commonwealth to the Russellville Convention in 1861, and were occupied and governed by the Confederacy at some point in the duration of the war, and Kentucky had full representation within the Confederate Government. Although Confederate forces briefly controlled Frankfort, they were expelled by Union forces before a Confederate government could be installed in the state capital. After the expulsion of Confederate forces after the Battle of Perryville, this government operated in-exile. Though it existed throughout the war, Kentucky's provisional government only had governing authority in areas of Kentucky under direct Confederate control and had very little effect on the events in the Commonwealth or in the war once they were driven out of the state.
			Kentucky remained officially "neutral" throughout the war{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} due to the ] sympathies of a majority of the Commonwealth's citizens who were split between the struggle of Kentucky's sister Southern States fully in the ] and a continued loyalty to the Unionist cause that was prevalent in other areas of the South such as in East Tennessee, West Virginia, Western North Carolina, and others. Despite this, some 21st-century Kentuckians observe ] on ] leader ]' birthday, June 3, and participate in Confederate battle re-enactments.<ref>{{cite web | title=KRS 2.110 Public Holidays | publisher=] | url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/110.PDF | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=September 27, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927011246/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/110.PDF | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Tony Hiss, ''Confederates in the Attic''</ref> Both Davis and U.S. president ] were born in Kentucky. ], the 14th and youngest-ever Vice President was born in Lexington, Kentucky at Cabell's Dale Farm. Breckenridge was expelled from the U. S. Senate for his support of the Confederacy.
			Henry W. Grady, editor of the Atlanta Constitution, coined the term ''New South'' in 1874, urging transformation from an agrarian economy to a modern industrial one.
			===Reconstruction and the ''New South''===
			{{See also|Hatfield-McCoy feud}}
			On January 30, 1900, Governor ], flanked by two bodyguards, was mortally wounded by an ] while walking to the State Capitol in downtown Frankfort. Goebel was contesting the ], which ] was initially believed to have won. For several months, ], Goebel's running mate, and Taylor fought over who was the legal governor until the ] ruled in May in favor of Beckham. After fleeing to ], Taylor was indicted as a co-conspirator in Goebel's ]. Goebel is the only governor of a U.S. state to have been assassinated while in office.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Old State Capitol |publisher=] |url=http://history.ky.gov/sub.php?pageid=23&sectionid=8 |access-date=September 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827133601/http://history.ky.gov/sub.php?pageid=23&sectionid=8 |archive-date=August 27, 2007 }}</ref>
			The ], a vigilante action, occurred in Western Kentucky in the early 20th century. As a result of the ] monopoly, tobacco farmers in the area were forced to sell their crops at prices that were too low. Many local farmers and activists united in a refusal to sell their crops to the major tobacco companies.
			An Association meeting occurred in downtown ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wkms.org/post/understanding-black-patch-tobacco-war-west-kentucky-and-tennessee#stream/0|title=Understanding the Black Patch Tobacco War of West Kentucky and Tennessee|publisher=]|last1=Lochte|first1=Kate|last2=Markgraf|first2=Matt|date=September 22, 2014|access-date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610004656/http://wkms.org/post/understanding-black-patch-tobacco-war-west-kentucky-and-tennessee#stream/0|url-status=live}}</ref> where a vigilante wing of "Night Riders", formed. The riders terrorized farmers who sold their tobacco at the low prices demanded by the tobacco corporations. They burned several tobacco warehouses throughout the area, stretching as far west as ] to ]. In the later period of their operation, they were known to physically assault farmers who broke the boycott. Governor ] declared ] and deployed the ] to end the wars.
			==Geography==
			{{See also|Coal mining in Kentucky}}
			]
	Kentucky is situated in the ].<ref>{{cite book |title= Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |publisher= ] |year= 2003 |edition= 11th |isbn= 978-0-87779-809-5 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=O78rzaI2XmUC&pg=RA1-PA1562 |page= 1562 |author= ed. in chief Frederick C. Mish |access-date= January 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The North American Midwest: A Regional Geography|url=https://archive.org/details/northamericanmid0000garl|url-access=registration|publisher=Wiley Publishers |location=New York |year=1955}}</ref> A significant portion of eastern Kentucky is part of ].		Kentucky is situated in the ].<ref>{{cite book |title= Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |publisher= ] |year= 2003 |edition= 11th |isbn= 978-0-87779-809-5 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=O78rzaI2XmUC&pg=RA1-PA1562 |page= 1562 |author=Frederick C. Mish |access-date= January 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The North American Midwest: A Regional Geography|url=https://archive.org/details/northamericanmid0000garl|url-access=registration|publisher=Wiley Publishers |location=New York |year=1955}}</ref> A significant portion of eastern Kentucky is part of ].
	Kentucky borders seven states, from the ] and the ]. ] lies to the northeast, ] to the east, ] to the south, ] to the west, ] to the northwest, and ] and ] to the north. Only Missouri and Tennessee, both of which border eight states, touch more.		Kentucky borders seven states, from the ] and the ]. ] lies to the northeast, ] to the east, ] to the south, ] to the west, ] to the northwest, and ] and ] to the north. Only Missouri and Tennessee, both of which border eight states, touch more.
	Kentucky's northern border is formed by the ] and its western border by the ]; however, the official border is based on the courses of the rivers as they existed when Kentucky became a state in 1792. For instance, northbound travelers on ] from Henderson, after crossing the Ohio River, will be in Kentucky for about {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}}. ], a thoroughbred racetrack, is located in this small piece of Kentucky. Waterworks Road is part of the only land border between Indiana and Kentucky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=%5B1300-1699%5D+Waterworks+Rd&city=Evansville&state=IN&zipcode=47713 |title=Map of <nowiki></nowiki> Waterworks Rd Evansville, IN |access-date=January 1, 2009}}</ref>		Kentucky's northern border is formed by the north shore of the ]<ref name="Supreme">{{cite web |author1=United States Supreme Court |title=Indiana v. Kentucky, 136 U.S. 479 (1890) KENTUCKY. |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/136/479 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |publisher=Cornell University Law School |access-date=17 August 2024 |language=en |quote=The Court said that the question whether the land lay within the State of Kentucky or of Indiana...and reached the conclusion that the boundary between the states was at low water mark on the northwest side of the river.}}</ref> and its western border by the ]; however, the official border is based on the courses of the rivers as they existed when Kentucky became a state in 1792. For instance, northbound travelers on ] from Henderson, after crossing the Ohio River, will be in Kentucky for about {{convert|2|mi|km|0|spell=in}}. ], a thoroughbred racetrack, is located in this small piece of Kentucky. Waterworks Road is part of the only land border between Indiana and Kentucky.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=%5B1300-1699%5D+Waterworks+Rd&city=Evansville&state=IN&zipcode=47713 |title=Map of <nowiki></nowiki> Waterworks Rd Evansville, IN |access-date=January 1, 2009 |archive-date=January 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122102011/http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=%5B1300-1699%5D+Waterworks+Rd&city=Evansville&state=IN&zipcode=47713 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Kentucky has a non-contiguous part known as ], at the far west corner of the state. It exists as an ] surrounded completely by ] and ], and is included in the boundaries of ]. Road access to this small part of Kentucky on the Mississippi River (populated by 18 people {{as of|2010|lc=y}})<ref>{{cite journal |author= <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= October 1, 2013 |title= Exclaves |journal= Virginia Quarterly Review |volume= 89 |issue= 4 |pages= 22–23 |issn= 0042-675X }}</ref> requires a trip through Tennessee.		Kentucky has a non-contiguous part known as ], at the far west corner of the state. It exists as an ] surrounded completely by ] and ], and is included in the boundaries of ]. Road access to this small part of Kentucky on the Mississippi River (populated by 18 people {{as of|2010|lc=y}})<ref>{{cite journal |author= <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= October 1, 2013 |title= Exclaves |journal= Virginia Quarterly Review |volume= 89 |issue= 4 |pages= 22–23 |issn= 0042-675X }}</ref> requires traveling through Tennessee.
	The epicenter of the ] was near this area, causing the Mississippi River to flow backwards in some places. Though the series of quakes changed the area geologically and affected the small number of inhabitants of the area at the time, the Kentucky Bend is the result of a surveying error, not the New Madrid earthquake.<ref>{{cite web | title=Life on the Mississippi | publisher=]| date=January 28, 2002 | url=http://www.ket.org/kentuckylife/800s/kylife804.html | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>		The epicenter of the ] was near this area, causing the Mississippi River to flow backwards in some places. Though the series of quakes changed the area geologically and affected the small number of inhabitants of the area at the time, the Kentucky Bend is the result of a surveying error, not the New Madrid earthquake.<ref>{{cite web | title=Life on the Mississippi | publisher=] | date=January 28, 2002 | url=http://www.ket.org/kentuckylife/800s/kylife804.html | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=February 13, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213074544/http://www.ket.org/kentuckylife/800s/kylife804.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
	===Regions===		===Regions===
			]
			Kentucky can be divided into five primary regions: the ] in the east, which is wholly underlain by coal and constitutes the Eastern Coal Field; the north-central ], where the major cities and the capital are located; the south-central and western ] (a Mississippian-age plateau that is divided into eastern, central and western sub-regions, the latter known as the Pennyrile); the ]; and the far-western ], the northernmost extension of the Mississippian Embayment, west and south of the Tennessee River.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gnadinger |first=Zac |date=February 13, 2023 |title=The Ecological Regions of Kentucky |url=https://www.kynativeplants.com/post/ecological-regions-of-kentucky |access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=KY Native Plants |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217184609/https://www.kynativeplants.com/post/ecological-regions-of-kentucky |url-status=live }}</ref>
	]
			The Bluegrass region is commonly divided into two regions, the Inner Bluegrass encircling {{convert|90|mi|km}} around ], and the Outer Bluegrass that contains most of the northern portion of the state, above the ]. Much of the outer Bluegrass is in the ] sub-region, made up of short, steep, and very narrow hills. The alluvial plain of the ] is another geological region, as is the area south and east of Pine Mountain, part of the ] of Appalachia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gaftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/ORD/Ecoregions/ky/ky_eco_lg.pdf |title=Ecoregions of Kentucky |access-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817131839/https://gaftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/ORD/Ecoregions/ky/ky_eco_lg.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Kentucky can be divided into five primary regions: the ] in the east, which contains much of the historic coal mines; the north-central ], where the major cities and the capital are located; the south-central and western ] (also known as the Pennyrile or Mississippi Plateau); the ]; and the far-west ].
	The Bluegrass region is commonly divided into two regions, the Inner Bluegrass encircling {{convert|90|mi|km}} around ], and the Outer Bluegrass that contains most of the northern portion of the state, above the ]. Much of the outer Bluegrass is in the ] area, made up of short, steep, and very narrow hills.
	===Climate===		===Climate===
			] of Kentucky, using 1991–2020 ].]]
			Most of Kentucky has a ] (Köppen: ''Cfa''), with small ] highland areas of the southeast of the state having an ] (''Cfb'').<ref>]{{Circular reference|date=March 2024}}</ref> Temperatures in Kentucky usually range from daytime summer highs of {{convert|87|°F}} to the winter low of {{convert|23|°F}}. The average precipitation is {{convert|46|in}} a year.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Geography of Kentucky – Climate | date=June 15, 2006 | publisher=NetState.com | url=http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ky_geography.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=November 14, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114204234/http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ky_geography.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> Kentucky has four distinct seasons, with substantial variations in the severity of summer and winter.<ref>{{cite book |title=''Encyclopedia of Kentucky'' |chapter=Geographical Configuration |publisher=Somerset Publishers |location=New York |year=1987 |isbn=978-0-403-09981-8 }}</ref> The state's highest recorded temperature was {{convert|114|F|C}} in ] on July 28, 1930, while its lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|-37|F|C}} in ] on ]. The state seldom experiences the extreme cold of far northern states or the high heat of the states in the ]; temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 100 degrees. Rain and snowfall averages about 45 inches per year.
			The climate varies markedly within the state. The northern parts tend to be about five degrees cooler than those in the western parts of the state. ] in the south-central part receives ten more inches of rain per year than ] to the north. Average temperatures for the entire state range from the low 30s in January to the high 80s in mid-July. The annual average temperature varies from {{convert|55|to|60|°F}}: of {{convert|55|°F}} in the far north as an average annual temperature and of {{convert|60|°F}} in the extreme southwest.<ref>Klotter, James C. and Freda C. (2015). ''Faces of Kentucky''. University Press of Kentucky. Page 53. {{ISBN|9780813160528}}.</ref><ref>]. (2008). ''Discover America: Kentucky: The Bluegrass State''. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Page 8. {{ISBN|9781593397630}}.</ref>
	Located within the southeastern interior portion of North America, Kentucky has a climate that is best described as a ] (Köppen: ''Cfa''), only small higher areas of the southeast of the state has an ] (''Cfb'') influenced by the ].<ref>{{Citation|last=Peterson|first=Adam|title=English: Köppen climate types of the United States|date=August 18, 2016|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/File:US_50_states_K%C3%B6ppen.svg|access-date=March 4, 2019}}</ref> Temperatures in Kentucky usually range from daytime summer highs of {{convert|87|°F}} to the winter low of {{convert|23|°F}}. The average precipitation is {{convert|46|in}} a year.<ref>{{cite web| title=The Geography of Kentucky – Climate |date=June 15, 2006 |publisher=NetState.com | url=http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ky_geography.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006}}</ref> Kentucky has four distinct seasons, with substantial variations in the severity of summer and winter.<ref>{{cite book |title=''Encyclopedia of Kentucky'' |chapter=Geographical Configuration |publisher=Somerset Publishers |location=New York |year=1987 |isbn=978-0-403-09981-8 }}</ref> The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|114|F|C}} at ] on July 28, 1930, while the lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|-37|F|C}} at ] on ]. The state rarely experiences the extreme cold of far northern states, nor the high heat of the states in the ]. Temperatures seldom drop below 0 degrees or rise above 100 degrees. Rain and snowfall totals about 45 inches per year.
	Climate varies markedly within the state. The northern parts tend to be about five degrees cooler than those in western parts of the state. ] in the south-central part receives ten more inches of rain per year than, for instance, ] to the north. Average temperatures for the entire Commonwealth range from the low 30s in January to the high 70s in mid-July. The annual average temperature varies from {{convert|55|to|60|°F}}: of {{convert|55|°F}} in the far north as an average annual temperature and of {{convert|60|°F}} in the extreme southwest.<ref>Klotter, James C. and Freda C. (2015). ''Faces of Kentucky''. University Press of Kentucky. Page 53. {{ISBN|9780813160528}}.</ref><ref>]. (2008). ''Discover America: Kentucky: The Bluegrass State''. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Page 8. {{ISBN|9781593397630}}.</ref>
	In general, Kentucky has relatively hot, ], rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Mean maximum temperatures in July vary from {{convert|83|to|90|°F}}; the mean minimum July temperatures are {{convert|61|to|69|°F}}. In January the mean maximum temperatures range from {{convert|36|to|44|°F}}; the mean minimum temperatures range from {{convert|19|to|26|°F}}. Temperature means vary with northern and far-eastern mountain-regions averaging five degrees cooler year-round, compared to the relatively warmer areas of the southern and western regions of the state. Precipitation also varies north to south with the north averaging of {{convert|38|to|40|in}}, and the south averaging of {{convert|50|in}}. Days per year below the freezing point vary from about sixty days in the southwest to more than a hundred days in the far-north and far-east.<ref>Jones, Ronald (2005). ''Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora''. University Press of Kentucky. Page 11. {{ISBN|9780813123318}}.</ref>		In general, Kentucky has relatively hot, ], rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Mean maximum temperatures in July vary from {{convert|83|to|90|°F}}; the mean minimum July temperatures are {{convert|61|to|69|°F}}. In January the mean maximum temperatures range from {{convert|36|to|44|°F}}; the mean minimum temperatures range from {{convert|19|to|26|°F}}. Temperature means vary with northern and far-eastern mountain regions averaging five degrees cooler year-round, compared to the relatively warmer areas of the southern and western regions of the state. Precipitation varies north to south with the north averaging of {{convert|38|to|40|in}}, and the south averaging of {{convert|50|in}}. Days per year below the freezing point vary from about sixty days in the southwest to more than a hundred days in the far-north and far-east.<ref>Jones, Ronald (2005). ''Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora''. University Press of Kentucky. Page 11. {{ISBN|9780813123318}}.</ref>
	{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|		{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|
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	! style="background:#e5afaa; color:Black;"| Nov		! style="background:#e5afaa; color:Black;"| Nov
	! style="background:#e5afaa; color:Black;"| Dec		! style="background:#e5afaa; color:Black;"| Dec
	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/lexington-climate|title=Lexington, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/lexington-climate|title=Lexington, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808201402/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/lexington-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Lexington		! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Lexington
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 40.9/24.8		| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 40.9/24.8
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	| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 43.9/28		| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 43.9/28
	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/louisville-climate|title=Louisville, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/louisville-climate|title=Louisville, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811211458/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/louisville-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Louisville		! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Louisville
	| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 43/26.8		| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 43/26.8
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	| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 45.8/30		| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 45.8/30
	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/owensboro-climate|title=Owensboro, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/owensboro-climate|title=Owensboro, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802205905/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/owensboro-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Owensboro		! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Owensboro
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 41.2/23.2		| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 41.2/23.2
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	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/paducah-climate|title=Paducah, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/paducah-climate|title=Paducah, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802212926/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/paducah-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Paducah		! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Paducah
	| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 43.4/25.8		| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 43.4/25.8
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	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/pikeville-climate|title=Pikeville, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/pikeville-climate|title=Pikeville, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802200351/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/pikeville-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Pikeville		! style="background:#f8f3ca; color:Black; height:16px;"| Pikeville
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 44/23		| style="text-align:center; background:#f8f3ca; color:Black;"| 44/23
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	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/ashland-climate|title=Ashland, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/ashland-climate|title=Ashland, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802205355/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/ashland-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Ashland		! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Ashland
	| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 42/19		| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 42/19
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	|-<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/bowling-green-climate|title=Bowling Green, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|first=Yu Media Group|last=d.o.o|website=Weather Atlas}}</ref>		|-<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/bowling-green-climate|title=Bowling Green, KY – Detailed climate information and monthly weather forecast|publisher=Yu Media Group|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802200012/https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/bowling-green-climate|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Bowling Green		! style="background:#c5dfe1; color:Black; height:16px;"| Bowling Green
	| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 45/26.4		| style="text-align:center; background:#c5dfe1; color:Black;"| 45/26.4
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	|}		|}
	====Climate change====
	{{Excerpt|Climate change in Kentucky}}
	====Natural disasters====		====Natural disasters====
	{| class="wikitable"		{| class="wikitable"
	|-		|-
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	| ] || May 27, 1917 || 66 || Fulton area		| ] || May 27, 1917 || 66 || Fulton area
	|-		|-
	| ] || May 9, 1933 Tornado || 38 || South Central KY		| ] || May 9, 1933, Tornado || 38 || South Central KY
	|-		|-
	| ] || Early 1937 || unknown || Statewide		| ] || Early 1937 || unknown || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| ] || April 3, 1974 || 72 || Statewide		| ] || April 3, 1974 || 72 || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| March 1, 1997 Flooding || Early March 1997 || 18 || Statewide		| March 1, 1997, Flooding || Early March 1997 || 18 || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| ]<ref>{{cite web|author= John Denman |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/lmk/climate/2004_review.pdf |title=2004 in Review for Central Kentucky and South-Central Indiana |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>|| May 30, 2004 || 0 || ]		| ]<ref>{{cite web |author=John Denman |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/lmk/climate/2004_review.pdf |title=2004 in Review for Central Kentucky and South-Central Indiana |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412030426/https://www.weather.gov/media/lmk/climate/2004_review.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>|| May 30, 2004 || 0 || ]
	|-		|-
	| ]<ref>{{cite web|author= US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/22dec2004_winterstorm |title=December 22, 2004 Snow Storm |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>|| December 21–24, 2004 || unknown || Statewide		| ]<ref>{{cite web |author=((US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)) |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/22dec2004_winterstorm |title=December 22, 2004 Snow Storm |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716194624/https://www.weather.gov/lmk/22dec2004_winterstorm |url-status=live }}</ref>|| December 21–24, 2004 || unknown || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| Widespread Flash Flooding<ref>{{cite web|author= US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/Top10Events/2006/September22Flood.pdf |title=September 2006 was the wettest September on record at some locations |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>|| September 22–23, 2006 || 6 || Statewide		| Widespread Flash Flooding<ref>{{cite web |author=((US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)) |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/Top10Events/2006/September22Flood.pdf |title=September 2006 was the wettest September on record at some locations |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412030428/https://www.weather.gov/media/pah/Top10Events/2006/September22Flood.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>|| September 22–23, 2006 || 6 || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| ]<ref>{{cite web|author= US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/jan_2009_ice_and_snow |title=Ice and Snow Storm of January 28–29, 2009 |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>|| January 26–28, 2009 || 35 || Statewide		| ]<ref>{{cite web |author=((US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)) |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/jan_2009_ice_and_snow |title=Ice and Snow Storm of January 28–29, 2009 |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716170132/https://www.weather.gov/lmk/jan_2009_ice_and_snow |url-status=live }}</ref>|| January 26–28, 2009 || 35 || Statewide
	|-		|-
	| ]<ref>{{cite web|author= US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/august_4_2009_flash_flood |title=Flash Flood of August 4, 2009 |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>|| August 4, 2009 || 36 || ]		| ]<ref>{{cite web |author=((US Dept of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)) |url=https://www.weather.gov/lmk/august_4_2009_flash_flood |title=Flash Flood of August 4, 2009 |publisher=weather.gov |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716165729/https://www.weather.gov/lmk/august_4_2009_flash_flood |url-status=live }}</ref>|| August 4, 2009 || 36 || ]
	|-		|-
	| ] || March 2, 2012 || 22 || Statewide		| ] || March 2, 2012 || 22 || Statewide
			|-
			|]
			|December 10–11, 2021
			|74
			|Kentucky, 5 other states
			|-
			|] || July 24 – August 2, 2022 || 37 || Kentucky, 5 other states
	|}		|}
	===Lakes and rivers===		===Lakes and rivers===
	{{See also|List of lakes in Kentucky|List of rivers of Kentucky|List of dams and reservoirs in Kentucky}}		{{See also|List of lakes in Kentucky|List of rivers of Kentucky|List of dams and reservoirs in Kentucky}}
	] is the largest artificial American lake east of the ] by volume.]]		] is the largest artificial American lake east of the ] by volume.]]
	Kentucky has more navigable miles of water than any other state in the union, other than Alaska.<ref>{{cite web|title=Corbin, Kentucky: A Fisherman's Paradise |publisher=Corbin, Kentucky Economic Development |url=http://www.corbinkentucky.us/fishing.htm |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626140323/http://corbinkentucky.us/fishing.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2006 }}</ref>		Kentucky has the second-most navigable miles of water among U.S. states, second to ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Corbin, Kentucky: A Fisherman's Paradise |publisher=Corbin, Kentucky Economic Development |url=http://www.corbinkentucky.us/fishing.htm |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626140323/http://corbinkentucky.us/fishing.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2006 }}</ref>
	Kentucky is the only U.S. state to have a continuous border of rivers running along three of its sides{{snd}}the ] to the west, the ] to the north, and the ] and ] to the east.<ref name="kye-rivers">{{cite book |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: ], ], and ] |title=''The Kentucky Encyclopedia'' |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=] |isbn=978-0-8131-1772-0 |chapter=Rivers |page=774 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcceBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA774 |access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Its major internal rivers include the ], ], ], ] and ].		Kentucky is the only state to have a continuous border of rivers running along three of its sides{{snd}}the ] to the west, the ] to the north, and the ] and ] to the east.<ref name="kye-rivers">{{cite book |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: ], ], and ] |title=''The Kentucky Encyclopedia'' |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=] |isbn=978-0-8131-1772-0 |chapter=Rivers |page=774 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcceBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA774 |access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Its major internal rivers include the ], ], ], ], and ].
	Though it has only three major natural lakes,<ref name="kye-lakes">{{cite book |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: ], ], and ] |title=''The Kentucky Encyclopedia'' |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=] |isbn=978-0-8131-1772-0 |chapter=Lakes|page=531|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcceBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA531|access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Kentucky is home to many ]s. Kentucky has both the largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi in water volume (]) and surface area (]). Kentucky Lake's {{convert|2064|mi|km}} of shoreline, {{convert|160300|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of water surface, and {{Convert|4,008,000|acre-ft|e9m3|lk=on|sigfig=2|abbr=off|sp=us}} of flood storage are the most of any lake in the ] system.<ref>Tennessee Valley Authority, ''The Kentucky Project: A Comprehensive Report on the Planning, Design, Construction, and Initial Operations of the Kentucky Project'', Technical Report No. 13 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1951), pp. 1–12, 68, 115–116, 509.</ref>		Though it has only three major natural lakes,<ref name="kye-lakes">{{cite book |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: ], ], and ] |title=''The Kentucky Encyclopedia'' |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=] |isbn=978-0-8131-1772-0 |chapter=Lakes|page=531|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcceBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA531|access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> Kentucky is home to many ]s. It has the largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi in both water volume (]) and surface area (]). Kentucky Lake's {{convert|2064|mi|km}} of shoreline, {{convert|160300|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of water surface, and {{convert|4,008,000|acre-ft|e9m3|lk=on|sigfig=2|abbr=off|sp=us}} of flood storage are the most of any lake in the ] system.<ref>Tennessee Valley Authority, ''The Kentucky Project: A Comprehensive Report on the Planning, Design, Construction, and Initial Operations of the Kentucky Project'', Technical Report No. 13 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1951), pp. 1–12, 68, 115–116, 509.</ref>
	Kentucky's {{convert|90000|mi|km|-4}} of streams provides one of the most expansive and complex stream systems in the nation.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Ia7Rga26OkC&pg=PA39 | title=You Live Where?: Interesting and Unusual Facts about where We Live | publisher=iUniverse | author=Thompson, George E. | year=2009 | page=39| isbn=9781440134210}}</ref>		Kentucky's {{convert|90000|mi|km|-4}} of streams provides one of the most expansive and complex stream systems in the nation.
	===Natural environment and conservation===		===Natural environment and conservation===
			]
			Kentucky hosts multiple habitats with a high number of ] species, including some of the most extensive cave systems in the world. 102 known species are endemic to the state.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Abernathy |first1=Greg |last2=White |first2=Deborah |last3=Laudermilk |first3=Ellis L. |last4=Evans |first4=Marc |title=Kentucky's Natural Heritage: An Illustrated Guide to Biodiversity |date=2010 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |pages=42–43}}</ref> The Bluegrass region, which is believed to have once been a lush open woodland environment similar to ] with abundant thickets of ], a species of ], was once described by ] as having the most "anomalous" plant life of the whole Eastern United States.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kimmerer |first1=Tom |title=Venerable Trees: History, Biology, and Conservation in the Bluegrass |date=2015 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |isbn=978-0-8131-6566-0 |page=73}}</ref> Kentucky's natural environment has suffered greatly from destructive human activities that began after European colonization, particularly the conversion of natural habitat to farmland and ].
	]
	Kentucky has an expansive park system, which includes one national park, two National Recreation Areas, two National Historic Parks, two ], two National Wildlife Refuges, 45 ]s, {{convert|37896|acre|km2|0}} of state forest, and 82 ]s.		Kentucky has an expansive park system, which includes one national park, two National Recreation Areas, two National Historic Parks, two ], two National Wildlife Refuges, 45 ]s, {{convert|37896|acre|km2|0}} of state forest, and 82 ]s.
			Kentucky has been part of two of the most successful wildlife reintroduction projects in United States history. In the winter of 1997, the ] began to re-stock ] in the state's eastern counties, which had been extirpated from the area for over 150 years. {{as of|2009}}, the herd had reached the project goal of 10,000 animals, making it the largest herd east of the ].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://fw.ky.gov/elkinfo.asp?lid=1653&NavPath=C117C147C301C547 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926064155/http://fw.ky.gov/elkinfo.asp?lid=1653&NavPath=C117C147C301C547 |archive-date=September 26, 2006 |title=Elk Restoration Update and Hunting Information |publisher=Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources |access-date=December 9, 2006 }}</ref>
	Kentucky has ranked among the worst states in the company for the protection of animals including dogs, pigs, chickens, and cats.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-21|title=Kentucky has yet again been named the worst state in U.S. for animal protection laws|url=https://www.newsweek.com/animal-cruelty-which-state-worst-protecting-animals-855098|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Newsweek|language=en}}</ref> Police officers have no duty to enforce animal protection laws, and, relative to other states, the laws insufficiently protect animals from abuse.
			The state stocked ]s in the 1950s, after reportedly having fewer than 900. Once nearly extinct, wild turkeys thrive throughout Kentucky.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pearce|first=Tom|title=Once nearly extinct, turkeys gobbling throughout state|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=19940327&id=T_4aAAAAIBAJ&pg=6989,2846713&hl=en|access-date=May 15, 2016|work=Bowling Green Daily News|date=March 27, 1994|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220153301/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=19940327&id=T_4aAAAAIBAJ&pg=6989%2C2846713&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> Hunters reported a record 29,006 birds taken during the 23-day season in spring 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://fw.ky.gov/app/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=542 |title=Hunters Take Record Number of Spring Turkey |website=Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104812/http://fw.ky.gov/app/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=542 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 }}</ref>
	Kentucky has been part of two of the most successful wildlife reintroduction projects in United States history. In the winter of 1997, the ] began to re-stock ] in the state's eastern counties, which had been extinct from the area for over 150 years. {{as of|2009}}, the herd had reached the project goal of 10,000 animals, making it the largest herd east of the ].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://fw.ky.gov/elkinfo.asp?lid=1653&NavPath=C117C147C301C547 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926064155/http://fw.ky.gov/elkinfo.asp?lid=1653&NavPath=C117C147C301C547 |archive-date=September 26, 2006 |title=Elk Restoration Update and Hunting Information |publisher=Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources |access-date=December 9, 2006 }}</ref>
			In 1991 the Land Between the Lakes partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Red Wolf Recovery Program, a captive breeding program.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 6, 2015|title=Wolf Week Spotlight: The Endangered Red Wolf|url=https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/wolf-week-spotlight-the-endangered-red-wolf/|access-date=November 30, 2020|website=Land Between the Lakes|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211185359/https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/wolf-week-spotlight-the-endangered-red-wolf/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	The state also stocked ]s in the 1950s. There were reported to be fewer than 900 at one point. Once nearly extinct here, wild turkeys thrive throughout today's Kentucky.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pearce|first=Tom|title=Once nearly extinct, turkeys gobbling throughout state |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=19940327&id=T_4aAAAAIBAJ&pg=6989,2846713&hl=en |access-date=May 15, 2016 |work=Bowling Green Daily News |date=March 27, 1994}}</ref> Hunters officially reported a record 29,006 birds taken during the 23-day season in spring 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://fw.ky.gov/app/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=542 |title=Hunters Take Record Number of Spring Turkey |website=Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104812/http://fw.ky.gov/app/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=542 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 }}</ref>
	In 1991 the Land Between the Lakes partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Red Wolf Recovery Program, a captive breeding program.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-06|title=Wolf Week Spotlight: The Endangered Red Wolf|url=https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/wolf-week-spotlight-the-endangered-red-wolf/|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Land Between the Lakes|language=en-US}}</ref>
	===Natural attractions===		===Natural attractions===
	] is one of Kentucky's most visited places.]]		] is one of Kentucky's most visited places.]]
	], Meade County, Kentucky]]		], Meade County, Kentucky]]
Line 338:		Line 407:
	* ], the only place in the Western Hemisphere where a "]" may be regularly seen, due to the spray of the falls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cumberland Falls State Resort Park |date=October 19, 2005 |		* ], the only place in the Western Hemisphere where a "]" may be regularly seen, due to the spray of the falls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cumberland Falls State Resort Park |date=October 19, 2005 |
	publisher=Kentucky Department of Parks |url = http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cf/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061005015537/http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/cf/ |archive-date=October 5, 2006 |access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>		publisher=Kentucky Department of Parks |url = http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cf/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061005015537/http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/cf/ |archive-date=October 5, 2006 |access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>
	* ], featuring the world's longest known cave system.<ref>{{cite web | title=Mammoth Cave National Park |date=October 12, 2006 | publisher=National Park Service | url = http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>		* ], featuring the world's longest known cave system.<ref>{{cite web | title=Mammoth Cave National Park | date=October 12, 2006 | publisher=National Park Service | url=http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=June 28, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628130736/http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
	* ] Geological Area, part of the ].		* ] Geological Area, part of the ].
	* ], a ] managed by the ].		* ], a ] managed by the ].
	* ] near ].		* ] near ].
	* ], state's highest point.<ref name="usgs">{{cite web | title=Science in Your Backyard: Kentucky | publisher=United States Geological Survey | url=http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=KY | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref> Runs along the south ridge of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, Kentucky. The highest point located in Harlan County.		* ], state's highest point of elevation.<ref name="usgs">{{cite web | title=Science in Your Backyard: Kentucky | publisher=United States Geological Survey |date=July 3, 2006 | url=http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=KY | access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219020614/http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=KY |archive-date= February 19, 2007 }}</ref> Runs along the south ridge of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, Kentucky. The highest point located in Harlan County.
	* ], {{convert|2639|acre|km2|0|adj=on}} state nature preserve on southern slope of Pine Mountain in ]. Includes one of the largest concentrations of rare and endangered species in the state,<ref>{{cite web| title=Bad Branch State Nature Preserve | publisher=Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission | url=http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/badbranch.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061024022402/http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/badbranch.htm| archive-date = October 24, 2006}}</ref> as well as a {{convert|60|ft|m|0|adj=on}} waterfall and a Kentucky Wild River.{{clarify|reason=What does 'a Kentucky Wild River' mean?|date=June 2014}}		* ], {{convert|2639|acre|km2|0|adj=on}} state nature preserve on southern slope of Pine Mountain in ]. Includes one of the largest concentrations of rare and endangered species in the state,<ref>{{cite web| title=Bad Branch State Nature Preserve | publisher=Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission | url=http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/badbranch.htm |date=August 14, 2006 | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061024022402/http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/badbranch.htm| archive-date = October 24, 2006}}</ref> as well as a {{convert|60|ft|m|0|adj=on}} waterfall and a Kentucky Wild River.{{clarify|reason=What does 'a Kentucky Wild River' mean?|date=June 2014}}
	* ], located in the southern fringes of ] in the ], the largest municipally run forest in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | title=Jefferson Memorial Forest | url=http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/parks/jeffersonmemorialforest/ | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>		* ], located in the southern fringes of ] in the ], the largest municipally run forest in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | title=Jefferson Memorial Forest | url=http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/parks/jeffersonmemorialforest/ |website=City of Louisville, Kentucky | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-date=October 1, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001025352/http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/jeffersonmemorialforest/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
	* ], {{convert|1255|mi|km|0}} of shoreline located in South Central Kentucky.		* ], {{convert|1255|mi|km|0}} of shoreline located in South Central Kentucky.
	* ], located in ] ].		* ], located in ] Powell County.
	* ], located in southeastern ] and Southwestern ]. The Breaks is commonly known as the "Grand Canyon of the South".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/grand-canyon-of-virginia/|title=The Grand Canyon of the South Is Right Here in Virginia And It's Breathtaking|newspaper=OnlyInYourState|access-date=February 16, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>		* ], located in southeastern ] and Southwestern ]. The Breaks is commonly known as the "Grand Canyon of the South".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/grand-canyon-of-virginia/ |author1=Beth |date=April 25, 2022 |title=The Grand Canyon of the South Is Right Here in Virginia And It's Breathtaking |newspaper=OnlyInYourState |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216215358/http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/grand-canyon-of-virginia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
			* Blanton Forest, located in ], the state's largest ] and one of only 13 remaining large tracts of old-growth forest in the eastern USA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve |url=https://eec.ky.gov/Nature-Preserves/Locations/Pages/Blanton-Forest.aspx |website=Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231206182422/https://eec.ky.gov/Nature-Preserves/Locations/Pages/Blanton-Forest.aspx |archive-date= December 6, 2023 }}</ref>
			==Administrative divisions==
	==History==
			===Counties===
	{{Main|History of Kentucky}}
	{{See also|History of slavery in Kentucky|Kentucky Historical Society|Hatfield-McCoy feud}}
	] near ]]]
			{{See also|List of counties in Kentucky|Fiscal Court}}
	===Native American settlement===
			Kentucky is subdivided into 120 ], the largest being ] at {{convert|787.6|sqmi|km2}}, and the most populous being ] (which ] the ]) with 772,144 residents {{as of|2023|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kentucky Counties |url=http://www.uky.edu/KentuckyAtlas/kentucky-counties.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706080928/http://www.uky.edu/KentuckyAtlas/kentucky-counties.html |archive-date=July 6, 2013 |website=Kentucky Atlas & Gazetteer |publisher=University of Kentucky}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html#v2023|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-date=March 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318232436/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html#v2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
	It is not known exactly when the first humans arrived in what is now Kentucky. Based on evidence in other regions, humans were likely living in Kentucky prior to 10,000 BCE, but "archaeological evidence of their occupation has yet to be documented".<ref name=Pollack>{{cite report|last1=Pollack |first1=David |first2=M. May |last2=Stottman |title=Archaeological Investigation of the State Monument, Frankfort, Kentucky |date=August 2005 |publisher=Kentucky Archaeological Survey |volume=KAS Report No. 104 |url=http://heritage.ky.gov/nr/rdonlyres/2d6096f9-a3b5-48e2-85cb-e04a99eca539/0/statemonument.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413194143/http://heritage.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/2D6096F9-A3B5-48E2-85CB-E04A99ECA539/0/StateMonument.pdf |archive-date=April 13, 2015 }}</ref> Around 1800 BCE, a gradual transition began from a hunter-gatherer economy to agriculturalism. Around 900 CE, a ] took root in western and central Kentucky; by contrast, a ] appeared in eastern Kentucky. While the two had many similarities, the distinctive ceremonial earthwork mounds constructed in the former's centers were not part of the culture of the latter.
			County government, under the ] of 1891, is vested in the ], (formerly called the County Judge) who serves as the ] head of the county, and a ] called a ]. Despite the unusual name, the Fiscal Court no longer has ] functions.
	In about the 10th century, the Kentucky native people's variety of corn became highly productive, supplanting the ], and replaced it with a maize-based agriculture in the ]. French explorers in the 17th century documented numerous tribes living in Kentucky until the ] in the 1670s; however, by the time that European colonial explorers and settlers began entering Kentucky in greater numbers in the mid-18th century, there were no major Native American settlements in the region.
			===Consolidated city-county governments===
	As of the 16th century, the area known as Kentucky was home to tribes from five different culture groups{{snd}}Iroquoian, Sioux, Algonquian, Muskogean and Yuchi. Around the Bluestone River was the Siouan ]. North of the Tennessee River was the ] and south of it was the ]. Much of the interior of the state was controlled by the Algonquian ];<ref>louis, franquelin, jean baptiste. "Franquelin's map of Louisiana.". LOC.gov. Retrieved August 17, 2017.</ref> the confluence region of the Mississippi and Ohio was home to the ]. During a period known as the ], 1640–1680, another Algonquian tribe called the Maumee, or ] was chased out of southern Michigan.<ref>"EARLY INDIAN MIGRATION IN OHIO". GenealogyTrails.com. Retrieved August 17, 2017.</ref> The vast majority of them moved to Kentucky, pushing the Kispoko east and war broke out with the Tutelo that pushed them deeper into Appalachia, where they merged with the ] and Moneton. The Maumee were closely related to the Miami of Indiana. Later, the Kispoko merged with the Shawnee (who broke off from the Powhatan on the east coast) and the Thawikila of Ohio to form the larger ] nation which inhabited the Ohio River Valley into the 19th century.
			Kentucky's two most populous counties, Jefferson and Fayette, have their ]. ''Louisville-Jefferson County Government'' (]) and ''Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government'' (]) are unique in that their city councils and county Fiscal Court structures have been merged into a single entity with a single ], the ] and Urban County Mayor, respectively. Although the counties still exist as subdivisions of the state, in reference the names Louisville and Lexington are used to refer to the entire area coextensive with the former cities and counties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgr.org/consensuscny/docs/CaseStudies_cd-louisvillemerger1013.pdf |title=A 10-Year Perspective of the Merger of Louisville and Jefferson County, KY: Louisville Metro Vaults From 65th to 18th Largest City in the Nation |last=Wachter |first=Jeff |publisher=CGR |date=September 2013 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214082623/https://www.cgr.org/consensuscny/docs/CaseStudies_cd-louisvillemerger1013.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-17/what-metro-council |title=What is Metro Council? |publisher=Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217185605/https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-17/what-metro-council |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Organizational structure, system and positions |url=https://www.lexingtonky.gov/organizational-structure-system-and-positions |access-date=December 17, 2023 |publisher=Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217185604/https://www.lexingtonky.gov/organizational-structure-system-and-positions |url-status=live }}</ref>
	The Shawnee from the northwest and Cherokee from the south also sent parties into the area regularly for hunting.
			===Major cities===
	Today there are two state recognized tribes in Kentucky, the ] and the ].<ref>Metts, Tara."National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and its implications in Kentucky", Summer 2010, Vol. 9, No. 2, p. 4, scribd.com. Retrieved September 2013</ref><ref>Cooper, Sara. May 2010, scribd.com. Retrieved September 2013</ref>
			{{See also|List of cities in Kentucky}}
	===French claim and exploration===
			{{Largest cities
			| country = Kentucky
			| stat_ref = Source:<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html|date=May 18, 2023|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 23, 2023|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711040810/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
			| list_by_pop =
			| div_name =
			| div_link = Counties of Kentucky{{!}}County
			| city_1 = Louisville, Kentucky{{!}}Louisville
			| div_1 = Jefferson County, Kentucky{{!}}Jefferson
			| pop_1 = 633,045
			| img_1 = Louisville Skyline 2021 (3).jpg
			| city_2 = Lexington, Kentucky{{!}}Lexington
			| div_2 = Fayette County, Kentucky{{!}}Fayette
			| pop_2 = 322,570
			| img_2 = LexingtonDowntown.JPG
			| city_3 = Bowling Green, Kentucky{{!}}Bowling Green
			| div_3 = Warren County, Kentucky{{!}}Warren
			| pop_3 = 72,294
			| img_3 = Shops_along_Fountain_Square_in_Bowling_Green,_Kentucky_2008.JPG
			| city_4 = Owensboro, Kentucky{{!}}Owensboro
			| div_4 = Daviess County, Kentucky{{!}}Daviess
			| pop_4 = 60,183
			| img_4 = Owensboro2ndStAnn.JPG
			| city_5 = Covington, Kentucky{{!}}Covington
			| div_5 = Kenton County, Kentucky{{!}}Kenton
			| pop_5 = 40,961
			| img_5 =
			| city_6 = Georgetown, Kentucky{{!}}Georgetown
			| div_6 = Scott County, Kentucky{{!}}Scott
			| pop_6 = 37,086
			| img_6 =
			| city_7 = Richmond, Kentucky{{!}}Richmond
			| div_7 = Madison County, Kentucky{{!}}Madison
			| pop_7 = 34,585
			| img_7 =
			| city_8 = Florence, Kentucky{{!}}Florence
			| div_8 = Boone County, Kentucky{{!}}Boone
			| pop_8 = 31,946
			| img_8 =
			| city_9 = Elizabethtown, Kentucky{{!}}Elizabethtown
			| div_9 = Hardin County, Kentucky{{!}}Hardin
			| pop_9 = 31,394
			| img_9 =
			| city_10 = Hopkinsville, Kentucky{{!}}Hopkinsville
			| div_10 = Christian County, Kentucky{{!}}Christian
			| pop_10 = 31,180
			| img_10 =
			| city_11 = Nicholasville, Kentucky{{!}}Nicholasville
			| div_11 = Jessamine County, Kentucky{{!}}Jessamine
			| pop_11 = 31,093
			| img_11 =
			| city_12 = Independence, Kentucky{{!}}Independence
			| div_12 = Kenton County, Kentucky{{!}}Kenton
			| pop_12 = 28,676
			| img_12 =
			| city_13 = Frankfort, Kentucky{{!}}Frankfort
			| div_13 = Franklin County, Kentucky{{!}}Franklin
			| pop_13 = 28,602
			| img_13 =
			| city_14 = Jeffersontown, Kentucky{{!}}Jeffersontown
			| div_14 = Jefferson County, Kentucky{{!}}Jefferson
			| pop_14 = 28,474
			| img_14 =
			| city_15 = Henderson, Kentucky{{!}}Henderson
			| div_15 = Henderson County, Kentucky{{!}}Henderson
			| pop_15 = 27,981
			| img_15 =
			| city_16 = Paducah, Kentucky{{!}}Paducah
			| div_16 = McCracken County, Kentucky{{!}}McCracken
			| pop_16 = 27,137
			| img_16 =
			| city_17 = Radcliff, Kentucky{{!}}Radcliff
			| div_17 = Hardin County, Kentucky{{!}}Hardin
			| pop_17 = 23,042
			| img_17 =
			| city_18 = Ashland, Kentucky{{!}}Ashland
			| div_18 = Boyd County, Kentucky{{!}}Boyd
			| pop_18 = 21,625
			| img_18 =
			| city_19 = Erlanger, Kentucky{{!}}Erlanger
			| div_19 = Kenton County, Kentucky{{!}}Kenton
			| pop_19 = 19,611
			| img_19 =
			| city_20 = Madisonville, Kentucky{{!}}Madisonville
			| div_20 = Hopkins County, Kentucky{{!}}Hopkins
			| pop_20 = 19,542
			| img_20 =
			}}
			The ] government area has a 2018 population of 1,298,990. Under ] methodology, the population of Louisville was 623,867. The latter figure is the population of the so-called ]{{snd}}the parts of Jefferson County that were either unincorporated or within the City of Louisville before the formation of the merged government in 2003. In 2018 the ] (CSA) had a population of 1,569,112; including 1,209,191 in Kentucky, which means more than 25% of the state's population now lives in the Louisville CSA. Since 2000, over one-third of the state's population growth has occurred in the Louisville CSA. In addition, the top 28 wealthiest places in Kentucky are in Jefferson County and seven of the 15 wealthiest counties in the state are located in the Louisville CSA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ksdc.louisville.edu/|title=Kentucky State Data Center|publisher=Ksdc.louisville.edu|access-date=August 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828171408/http://www.ksdc.louisville.edu/|archive-date=August 28, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Nonspecific|date=March 2017}}
	{{Main|New France|Louisiana (New France)}}
	{{See also|History of Kentucky#First Europeans in Kentucky}}
			The state's second-largest city is Lexington with a 2018 census population of 323,780, its metro had a population of 516,697, and its ], which includes the ] and ] statistical areas, having a population of 746,310. The ] area, which comprises the seven Kentucky counties in the ], had a population of 447,457 in 2018. The metropolitan areas of Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky have a combined population of 2,402,958 {{as of|2018|lc=y}}, which is 54% of the state's total population on only about 19% of the state's land. This area is often referred to as the Golden triangle as it contains a majority of the state's wealth, population, population growth, and economic growth, it is where most of the state's largest cities by population are located. It is referred to as the Golden triangle as the metro areas of Lexington, Louisville, and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati outline a triangle shape. Interstates I-71, I-75, and I-64 form the triangle shape. Additionally, all counties in Kentucky that are part of an MSA or CSA have a total population of 2,970,694, which is 67% of the state's population.
	] was a French explorer who claimed all of the land along the Mississippi River Valley, including Kentucky, for France. In July 1669, Robert de la Salle organized twenty four men and six canoes for his expedition. During this venture, he met Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, the first white men to explore and map the Mississippi River, in ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Briney |first=Amanda |title=Robert Cavelier de la Salle: A Biography of Explorer Robert Cavelier de la Salle |website=History of Geography, About.com |url=http://geography.about.com/od/historyofgeography/a/delasalle.htm |access-date=October 27, 2015}}</ref> The expedition eventually reached the Ohio River, allegedly, which it followed as far as Louisville, Kentucky.
			{{as of|2017}} ] had a population of 67,067, making it the third most populous city in the state. The ] had an estimated population of 174,835; and the ] it shares with ] has an estimated population of 228,743.
	===European settlement and conflict with Native Americans===
			The two other fast-growing urban areas in Kentucky are the ] area and the "Tri-Cities Region" of southeastern Kentucky, comprising ], ] and ].
	{{Main|French and Indian War|Treaty of Paris (1763)|Indian Reserve (1763)|Colony of Virginia|History of Kentucky#Early period of European settlement}}
			Although only one town in the "Tri-Cities" (Somerset) currently has more than 12,000 people, the area has been experiencing heightened population and job growth since the 1990s. Growth has been especially rapid in Laurel County, which outgrew areas such as Scott and Jessamine counties around Lexington or Shelby and Nelson Counties around Louisville. London significantly grew in population in the 2000s, from 5,692 in 2000 to 7,993 in 2010. London landed a ] distribution center in 1997, bringing thousands of jobs to the community.
	In 1774 James Harrod founded the first permanent European settlement in Kentucky at the site of present-day Harrodsburg. As more settlers entered the area, warfare broke out with the Native Americans over their traditional hunting grounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merceronline.com/Native/native01.htm |title=The Presence |publisher=Mercer County Online |access-date=November 29, 2006 |website=History of Native Americans in Central Kentucky }}</ref>
			In northeast Kentucky, the greater ] area is an important transportation, manufacturing, and medical center. ] and ] production, as well as the transport of coal by rail and ], have been historical pillars of the region's economy. Due to a decline in the area's industrial base, Ashland has seen a sizable reduction in its population since 1990; however, the population of the area has since stabilized with the medical service industry taking a greater role in the local economy. The Ashland area, including the counties of ] and ], is part of the ] (MSA). As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649. More than 21,000 of those people ({{as of|2010|lc=y}}) reside within the city limits of Ashland.
	A 1790 U.S. government report states that 1,500{{nbs}}Kentucky settlers had been killed by Native Americans since the end of the ].<ref>{{cite book|author=James, James Alton|title=The Life of George Rogers Clark|location= Chicago|publisher= ]|year= 1928|isbn=978-0-404-03549-5}}</ref> In 1786 ] led a group of 1,200{{nbs}}men in actions against Shawnee towns on the ] to begin the ].<ref>{{cite book|author-link=Lowell H. Harrison|author=Harrison, Lowell H|title=George Rogers Clark and the War in the West|location= Lexington|publisher= ]|date=2001|orig-year= 1976|isbn=978-0-8131-9014-3}}</ref>
			The largest county in Kentucky by area is ], which contains ] and suburb ]. The county and surrounding area is the most populated region in the state that is not part of a ] or a ] containing nearly 200,000 people in five counties: ], ], ], and neighboring ]. Pike County contains slightly more than 68,000 people.
	===Establishment as county and then as a state===
			Only three U.S. states have capitals with smaller populations than Kentucky's ] (pop. 25,527): ] (pop. 18,560), ] (pop. 13,876), and ] (pop. 8,035).
	{{Main|American Revolutionary War|Western theater of the American Revolutionary War|Lee Resolution|United States Declaration of Independence|Kentucky County, Virginia|Treaty of Paris (1783)|Admission to the Union|List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union}}
	{{See also|History of Kentucky#1792 – Admission to the Union}}
			==Demographics==
	On December 31, 1776, the region of ] beyond the ] was established as ] by the ].<ref name="About Kentucky"/> (Kentucky County was abolished on June 30, 1780, when it was divided into ], ], and ] counties.) On several occasions the region's residents petitioned the General Assembly and the ] for separation from Virginia and ]. Ten constitutional conventions were held in ] between 1784 and 1792.
			{{Main|Demographics of Kentucky}}
	One petition, which had Virginia's assent, came before the Confederation Congress in early July 1788. Unfortunately, its consideration came up a day after word of ]'s all-important ninth ] of the proposed ], thus establishing it as the new framework of governance for the United States. In light of this development, Congress thought that it would be "unadvisable" to admit Kentucky into the Union, as it could do so "under the Articles of Confederation" only, but not "under the Constitution", and so declined to take action.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kesavan|first1=Vasan|title=When Did the Articles of Confederation Cease to Be Law|journal=Notre Dame Law Review|date=December 1, 2002|volume=78|issue=1|pages=70–71|url=http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol78/iss1/3|access-date=October 31, 2015}}</ref>
			]
			{{US Census population
			| 1790 = 73677
			| 1800 = 220955
			| 1810 = 406511
			| 1820 = 564317
			| 1830 = 687917
			| 1840 = 779828
			| 1850 = 982405
			| 1860 = 1155684
			| 1870 = 1321011
			| 1880 = 1648690
			| 1890 = 1858635
			| 1900 = 2147174
			| 1910 = 2289905
			| 1920 = 2416630
			| 1930 = 2614589
			| 1940 = 2845627
			| 1950 = 2944806
			| 1960 = 3038156
			| 1970 = 3218706
			| 1980 = 3660777
			| 1990 = 3685295
			| 2000 = 4041770
			| 2010 = 4339367
			| 2020 = 4505836
			| estyear = 2024
			| estimate = 4588372
			| estref = <ref>{{Cite web |title=QuickFacts: Kentucky |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KY | website=Census.gov | publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=December 20, 2024}}</ref>
			| align-fn = center
			| footnote = Sources: 1790–2000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ukcc.uky.edu/census/21.txt |title=Kentucky population |access-date= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122005311/http://ukcc.uky.edu/census/21.txt |archivedate=January 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />1910–2020<ref>{{cite web |title=Historical Population Change Data (1910–2020) |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429012609/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			}}
			The ] determined that the population of Kentucky was 4,505,836 in 2020, increasing since the ].<ref name="PopEstUS">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ky,US/PST045218|title=QuickFacts Kentucky; UNITED STATES|website=2018 Population Estimates|publisher=], Population Division|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116200810/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ky,US/PST045218|url-status=live}}</ref>
	On December 18, 1789, Virginia again gave its consent to Kentucky statehood. The ] gave its approval on February 4, 1791.<ref>{{USStat|1|189}}</ref> (This occurred two weeks before Congress approved ]'s petition for statehood.<ref>{{USStat|1|191}}</ref>) Kentucky officially became the fifteenth state in the Union on June 1, 1792. ], a military veteran from Virginia, was elected its first Governor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution Square State Historic Site |publisher=Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau |url=http://www.danville-ky.com/attractions2.php?category=History%20and%20Museums |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011230008/http://danville-ky.com/attractions2.php?category=History%20and%20Museums |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			]
			[[File:Kentucky Counties by race (2020 census).svg|thumb|upright=1.1|Racial plurality in Kentucky by county, per the 2020 U.S. census{{Collapsible list
			| title = Legend|{{col-begin}}{{col-2}}
			'''Non-Hispanic White'''
	===19th century===
			{{legend|#a61c00|60–70%}}
	{{Main|Ordinance of Secession|Kentucky in the American Civil War}}
	]'s architect ] in 1845, the ] in Louisville is considered the best extant ] hospital in the country.]]
			{{legend|#85200c|70–80%}}
	Central Kentucky, the bluegrass region, was the area of the state with the most ]. ] cultivated ] and hemp (see ]) and were noted for their quality ]. During the 19th century, Kentucky slaveholders began to sell unneeded slaves to the ], with Louisville becoming a major slave market and departure ] for slaves being transported downriver.
			{{legend|#5b0f00|80–90%}}
	] the ] during the ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Border States in the Civil War | date=February 15, 2002 | publisher=CivilWarHome.com | url=http://www.civilwarhome.com/borderstates.htm | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref> Although frequently described as never having ], representatives from 68 of 110 counties met at ] calling themselves the "Convention of the People of Kentucky" and passed an ] on November 20, 1861.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ordinances of Secession | publisher=Historical Text Archive | url=http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=170 | access-date=November 29, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123052735/http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=170 | archive-date=November 23, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> They established a ] with its capital in ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Civil War Sites – Bowling Green, KY | publisher=WMTH Corporation | url=http://www.trailsrus.com/monuments/reg3/bowling_green.html | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref>
			{{legend|#410b00|90%+}}
	Though Kentucky was represented by the central star on the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ngeorgia.com/history/flagsofga.html |title=A Concise History of the Flags of the Confederate States of America and the Sovereign State of Georgia |access-date=November 29, 2006 |last=Irby, Jr. |first=Richard E. |website=About North Georgia |publisher=Golden Ink}}</ref> it remained officially "neutral" throughout the war due to the ] sympathies of a majority of the Commonwealth's citizens. Some 21st-century Kentuckians observe ] on ] leader ]' birthday, June 3, and participate in Confederate battle re-enactments.<ref>{{cite web | title=KRS 2.110 Public Holidays | publisher=] | url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/110.PDF | access-date=November 29, 2006 }}</ref><ref>Tony Hiss, ''Confederates in the Attic''</ref> Both Davis and U.S. president ] were born in Kentucky. John C. Breckinridge, the 14th and youngest-ever Vice President was born in Lexington, Kentucky at Cabell's Dale Farm.
			{{col-end}}
			}}]]
			As of July 1, 2016, Kentucky had an estimated population of 4,436,974, which is an increase of 12,363 from the prior year and an increase of 97,607, or 2.2%, since the year 2010. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 73,541 people (that is 346,968 births minus 273,427 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 26,135 people into the state. ] from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 40,051 people, and migration within the country produced a net decrease of 13,916 people. {{as of|2015}}, Kentucky's population included about 149,016 foreign-born persons (3.4%). In 2016 the population density of the state was {{convert|110|/sqmi|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|abbr=out}}.<ref name="PopEstUS" /> ], ], ], ], and ] are the top five countries of origin for Kentucky's immigrants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.immigrationresearch.org/system/files/immigrants_in_kentucky.pdf|title=Immigrants in Kentucky|access-date=August 11, 2023|archive-date=August 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811215402/https://www.immigrationresearch.org/system/files/immigrants_in_kentucky.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
			Kentucky's population has grown every decade since records began, though during most decades of the 20th century there was net out-migration from the state. Since 1900, rural Kentucky counties have suffered a net loss of more than a million people to migration, while urban areas have experienced a slight net gain.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.kltprc.net/books/exploring/Chpt_3.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327130302/http://www.kltprc.net/books/exploring/Chpt_3.htm| archive-date = March 27, 2009 | title = Migration in Kentucky: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?| access-date = April 30, 2007| last = Price| first = Michael| website = Exploring the Frontier of the Future: How Kentucky Will Live, Learn and Work| publisher = University of Louisville| pages = 5–10}}</ref>
	On January 30, 1900, Governor ], flanked by two bodyguards, was mortally wounded by an ] while walking to the State Capitol in downtown Frankfort. Goebel was contesting the ], which ] was initially believed to have won. For several months, ], Goebel's running mate, and Taylor fought over who was the legal governor, until the ] ruled in May in favor of Beckham. After fleeing to ], Taylor was indicted as a co-conspirator in Goebel's ]. Goebel is the only governor of a U.S. state to have been assassinated while in office.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Old State Capitol |publisher=] |url=http://history.ky.gov/sub.php?pageid=23&sectionid=8 |access-date=September 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827133601/http://history.ky.gov/sub.php?pageid=23&sectionid=8 |archive-date=August 27, 2007 }}</ref>
			Kentucky's ] is in ], in the city of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |format=TXT |title=Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=December 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223204810/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |archive-date=February 23, 2010 }}</ref>
	===20th century===
			According to ]'s 2022 ], there were an estimated 3,984 ] people in Kentucky.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007–2022 PIT Counts by State |url=https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huduser.gov%2Fportal%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fxls%2F2007-2022-PIT-Counts-by-State.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK |access-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314020239/https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huduser.gov%2Fportal%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fxls%2F2007-2022-PIT-Counts-by-State.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2022-AHAR-Part-1.pdf|title=The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress|access-date=March 11, 2023|archive-date=March 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311234217/https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2022-AHAR-Part-1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
	]
			] in Kentucky is 72.5 years in 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eu.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/09/06/life-expectancy-kentucky-dropped-why-what-to-know/65466402007/ | title=Life expectancy for Kentuckians just dropped. Here's why and what to know | access-date=March 31, 2023 | archive-date=April 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401192234/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/09/06/life-expectancy-kentucky-dropped-why-what-to-know/65466402007/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
	The ], a vigilante action, occurred in Western Kentucky in the early 20th century. As a result of the ] monopoly, tobacco farmers in the area were forced to sell their crops at prices that were too low. Many local farmers and activists united in a refusal to sell their crops to the major tobacco companies.
			===Race and ancestry===
	An Association meeting occurred in downtown ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wkms.org/post/understanding-black-patch-tobacco-war-west-kentucky-and-tennessee#stream/0|title=Understanding the Black Patch Tobacco War of West Kentucky and Tennessee|publisher=]|last1=Lochte|first1=Kate|last2=Markgraf|first2=Matt|date=September 22, 2014|access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> where a vigilante wing of "Night Riders", formed. The riders terrorized farmers who sold their tobacco at the low prices demanded by the tobacco corporations. They burned several tobacco warehouses throughout the area, stretching as far west as ] to ]. In the later period of their operation, they were known to physically assault farmers who broke the boycott. Governor ] declared ] and deployed the ] to end the wars.
			{| font-size:80%;"
			|+ style="font-size:90%" |Ethnic composition as of the ]
	On October 15, 1959, a ] carrying two ]s collided in midair with a KC-135 tanker near ]. One of the nuclear bombs was damaged by fire but both weapons were recovered.<ref>, ''KSLA News, Channel 12''</ref>
	==Law and government==
	{{Further|List of governors of Kentucky|Kentucky Senate|Kentucky House of Representatives}}
	Kentucky is one of four ]s to officially use the term ''].'' The term was used for Kentucky as it had also been used by Virginia, from which Kentucky was created. The term has no particular significance in its meaning and was chosen to emphasize the distinction from the status of royal colonies as a place governed for the general welfare of the populace.<ref>, Kentucky Atlas & Gazetteer, ] website.</ref> Kentucky was originally styled as the "State of Kentucky" in the act admitting it to the union, since that is how it was referred to in Kentucky's first constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/law/help/statutes-at-large/1st-congress.php|title=Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America|author=United States Congress|website=Statutes at Large: 1st Congress|page=189|access-date=June 4, 2017}}</ref>
	The commonwealth term was used in citizen petitions submitted between 1786 and 1792 for the creation of the state.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}} It was also used in the title of a history of the state that was published in 1834 and was used in various places within that book in references to Virginia and Kentucky.<ref>Butler, Mann, '''', Wilcox, Dickerman & Co., 1834.</ref> The other three states officially called "commonwealths" are ], ], and ]. ] and the Northern Mariana Islands are also formally commonwealths.
	Kentucky is one of only five states that elect their state officials in odd-numbered years (the others being ], ], ], and ]). Kentucky holds elections for these offices every four years in the years preceding Presidential election years. Thus, Kentucky held gubernatorial elections in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
	===Executive branch===
	]]]
	The executive branch is headed by the ] who serves as both ] and ]. The ] may or may not have executive authority depending on whether the person is a member of the Governor's ]. Under the current ], the lieutenant governor assumes the duties of the governor only if the governor is incapacitated. (Before 1992 the lieutenant governor assumed power any time the governor was out of the state.) The governor and lieutenant governor usually run on a single ticket (also per a 1992 constitutional amendment), and are elected to four-year terms. The current governor is ], and the lieutenant governor is ]. Both are ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/357f0e6196414923acee9ee7aebdf8b8|title=Beshear set for 'next chapter' as Bevin concedes in Kentucky|date=November 14, 2019|website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/matt-bevin-concedes-defeat-in-kentucky-governors-race/2019/11/14/42fc0ea7-2d26-4f87-9856-07f6c701ad7b_video.html|title=Matt Bevin concedes defeat in Kentucky governor's race|website=Washington Post}}</ref>
	The executive branch is organized into the following "cabinets", each headed by a secretary who is also a member of the governor's cabinet:<ref>{{cite web|title=Organizational Charts|work=Kentucky Personnel|publisher=Kentucky Personnel Cabinet|access-date=December 23, 2020|url=https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/OrgCharts.aspx}}</ref>
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	The cabinet system was introduced in 1972 by Governor ] to consolidate hundreds of government entities that reported directly to the governor's office.<ref>{{cite book|title=Kentucky Government, Politics, and Public Policy|editor1-first=James C.|editor1-last=Clinger|editor2-first=Michael W.|editor2-last=Hail|location=Lexington, Kentucky|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|date=October 8, 2013|page=70|isbn=978-0-8131-4315-6|quote=By 1972 Governor Wendell Ford found himself in a situation similar to that of Governor ] thirty-six years earlier. At this time the executive branch had grown to over 60 departments and agencies and 210 boards and commissions falling under the jurisdiction of the governor. Governor Ford issued a reorganization report creating six cabinet departments and a framework for an executive branch that would be more manageable and accountable. As of 2012 this has grown to eleven cabinet departments with three additional cabinet-rank members under the office of Governor ]. Each cabinet agency is headed by a secretary who serves at the will of the governor.}}</ref>
	Other elected constitutional offices include the ], ], Auditor of Public Accounts, ] and Commissioner of Agriculture. Currently, Republican ] serves as the Secretary of State. The commonwealth's chief prosecutor, law enforcement officer, and law officer is the Attorney General, currently Republican ]. The Auditor of Public Accounts is Republican ]. Republican ] is the current Treasurer. Republican ] is the current Commissioner of Agriculture.
	===Legislative branch===
	] building in ]]]
	Kentucky's legislative branch consists of a ] body known as the ].
	The ] is considered the ]. It has 38 members, and is led by the ], currently ] (]).
	The ] has 100 members, and is led by the Speaker of the House, currently ] of the Republican Party.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-house-speaker-jeff-hoover-resigns-as-speaker-of-the-house/13304171|title=Representative Jeff Hoover resigns as Speaker of the House|last=Shaw|first=Courtney|date=November 6, 2017|work=WLKY|access-date=September 22, 2018|language=en}}</ref>
	In November 2016, Republicans won control of the House for the first time since 1922, and currently have supermajorities in both the House and Senate.<ref name="Hoover">{{cite web|url=http://www.wave3.com/story/34171035/jeff-hoover-becomes-kentuckys-first-republican-house-speaker-in-96-years|title=Jeff Hoover becomes Kentucky's first Republican House Speaker in 96 years|last=Boyd|first=Gordon|date=January 3, 2017|publisher=]|access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref>
	===Judicial branch===
	The judicial branch of Kentucky is called the Kentucky Court of Justice<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx|title=Kentucky Court of Justice – Home|access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> and comprises courts of ] called District Courts; courts of general jurisdiction called ]; specialty courts such as Drug Court<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/courtprograms/drugcourt/Pages/default.aspx|title=Adult Drug Court – Kentucky Drug Court: Saving Costs, Saving Lives|access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> and Family Court;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/courts/familycourt/Pages/default.aspx|title=Family Court|access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> an intermediate appellate court, the ]; and a court of last resort, the ].
	The Kentucky Court of Justice is headed by the ] of the Commonwealth. The chief justice is appointed by, and is an elected member of, the Supreme Court of Kentucky. The current chief justice is ]
	Unlike federal judges, who are usually appointed, justices serving on Kentucky state courts are chosen by the state's populace in non-partisan elections.
	===Federal representation===
	]]]
	Kentucky's two ] are ] ] and ], both Republicans. The state is divided into six ], represented by Republicans ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]) and Democrat ] (]).
	In the federal judiciary, Kentucky is served by two ]s: the ], with its primary seat in Lexington, and the ], with its primary seat in Louisville. Appeals are heard in the ], based in ].
	===Law===
	]]]
	Kentucky's body of laws, known as the ] (KRS), were enacted in 1942 to better organize and clarify the whole of Kentucky law.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statrev/revoff.htm |title=Reviser of Statutes Office – History and Functions |publisher=Kentucky Legislative Research Commission |access-date=December 27, 2006}}</ref> The statutes are enforced by local ], ] and deputy sheriffs, and ]s and deputy constables. Unless they have completed a ] elsewhere, these officers are required to complete Police Officer Professional Standards (POPS) training at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Center on the campus of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docjt.jus.state.ky.us/history.html |title=History of the DOCJT |publisher=Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice |access-date=December 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323200601/http://docjt.jus.state.ky.us/history.html |archive-date=March 23, 2006 }}</ref> Additionally, in 1948, the ] established the ], making it the 38th state to create a force whose jurisdiction extends throughout the given state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/history.htm |title=History of the Kentucky State Police |publisher=Kentucky State Police |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206002358/http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/history.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	Kentucky is one of the ] that sanctions the ] for certain murders defined as heinous. Those convicted of capital crimes after March 31, 1998 are always executed by ]; those convicted on or before this date may opt for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/methods-execution#state |title=Authorized Methods of Execution by State |publisher=Death Penalty Information Center |access-date=December 28, 2006}}</ref> Only ] have been executed in Kentucky since the ] re-instituted the practice in 1976. The most notable execution in Kentucky was that of ] on August 14, 1936. Bethea was publicly hanged in ] for the ] and murder of Lischia Edwards.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kypost.com/2001/jun/11/bethea061101.html |title=The Last Public Execution in America |work=]|last=Long |first=Paul A. |date=June 11, 2001 |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117233210/http://www.kypost.com/2001/jun/11/bethea061101.html |archive-date=January 17, 2006}}</ref> Irregularities with the execution led to this becoming the last public execution in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/apr/010430.execution.html |title=The Last Public Execution in America |publisher=] |last=Montagne |first=Renee |date=May 1, 2001 |access-date=December 27, 2006}}</ref>
	Kentucky has been on the front lines of the debate over displaying the ] on public property. In the 2005 case of '']'', the ] upheld the decision of the ] that a display of the ] in the ] courthouse of ] was unconstitutional.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/03-1693.ZS.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616194116/http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/03-1693.ZS.html |archive-date=June 16, 2009 |title=''McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky'' |publisher=] Law School |access-date=December 27, 2006}}</ref> Later that year, Judge ], writing for the ] in the case of ''] of Kentucky v. ]'', wrote that a display including the ], the ], the ], the ], '']'', and the ] could be erected in the ] courthouse.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0477p-06.pdf |title=Text of decision in ''ACLU of Kentucky v. Mercer County'' |access-date=December 27, 2006}}</ref>
	Kentucky has also been known to have unusually high political candidacy age laws, especially compared to surrounding states. The origin of this is unknown, but it has been suggested{{by whom|date=May 2014}} it has to do with the commonwealth tradition.
	A 2008 study found that Kentucky's Supreme Court to be the least influential high court in the nation with its decisions rarely being followed by other states.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/us/11bar.html | work=The New York Times | first=Adam | last=Liptak | title=Around the U.S., High Courts Follow California's Lead | date=March 11, 2008}}</ref>
	===Politics===
	{{Further|Political party strength in Kentucky}}
	{| class="wikitable sortable" style="float:right; margin:2em; font-size:90%;"
	|+ '''Presidential elections results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/compare.php?year=2008&fips=21&f=1&off=0&elect=0&type=state|title=Presidential General Election Results Comparison – Kentucky|publisher=US Election Atlas|access-date=December 31, 2009|author=Leip, David}}</ref>
	|- style="background:lightpink;"
	!Year
	!]
	!]
	|-		|-
			! Race and Ethnicity<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html |title=Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 12, 2021 |website=census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815165418/https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Alone
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''62.09%'''''1,326,646 ''
			! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|36.15% ''772,474''
	|-		|-
			| ]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable|81.3|%|2||background:gray}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''62.54%''' ''1,202,942''
			|align=right| {{bartable|85.0|%|2||background:gray}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|32.69% ''628,834''
	|-		|-
			| ]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable|7.9|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''60.49%''' ''1,087,190''
			|align=right| {{bartable|9.4|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|37.80% ''679,370''
	|-		|-
			| ]{{efn|Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin are not distinguished between total and partial ancestry.}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''57.37%''' ''1,048,462''
			|align=right| {{bartable|4.6|%|2||background:green}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|41.15% ''751,985''
	|-		|-
			| ]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable|1.6|%|2||background:purple}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''59.55%''' ''1,069,439''
			|align=right| {{bartable|2.1|%|2||background:purple}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|39.69% ''712,733''
	|-		|-
			| ]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable|0.2|%|2||background:gold}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''56.50%''' ''872,492''
			|align=right| {{bartable|1.8|%|2||background:gold}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|41.37% ''638,898''
	|-		|-
			| ]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|]
			|align=right| {{bartable|0.1|%|2||background:pink}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|44.88% ''623,283''
			|align=right| {{bartable|0.2|%|2||background:pink}}
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|'''45.84%''' ''636,614''
	|-		|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|41.34% ''617,178''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|'''44.55%''' ''665,104''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''55.52%''' ''734,281''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|43.88% ''580,368''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''60.04%''' ''822,782''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|39.37% ''539,589''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''49.07%''' ''635,274''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|47.61% ''616,417''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|45.57% ''531,852''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|'''52.75%''' ''615,717''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''63.37%''' ''676,446''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|34.77% ''371,159''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''43.79%''' ''462,411''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|37.65% ''397,541''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|35.65% ''372,977''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|'''64.01%''' ''669,659''
	|-
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;"|'''53.59%''' ''602,607''
	| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;"|46.41% ''521,855''
	|}
	] of the popular vote by county, 2016 presidential election]]
	Where politics are concerned, Kentucky historically has been very competitive. It leaned toward the ] since 1860, when the Whig Party dissolved and was considered among the Democratic Solid South, excepting three occasions when it went for the Republican candidate. The southeastern section had aligned with the Union during the war and tended to support Republican candidates.
	In a reversal of the demographics of party alignment in the post-Civil War nineteenth century, in the 21st century, state Democrats include liberal whites, African Americans, and other minorities. As of March 2020, 48.42% of the state's voters were officially registered as Democrats, and 42.75% were registered ], who tend to be conservative whites. Some 8.83% were registered with some other ] or as Independents.<ref name="kypartyreg">{{cite web|url=https://elect.ky.gov/Resources/Pages/Registration-Statistics.aspx|title=Election Statistics Registration Statistics|website=elect.ky.gov|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref> Despite this, a majority of the state's voters have generally elected Republican candidates for federal office since around the turn of the 21st century.
	From 1964 through 2004, Kentucky voted for the eventual winner of the election for President of the United States; however, in the ] the state lost its ] status. Republican ] won Kentucky, but he lost the national popular and electoral vote to Democrat ] (McCain carried Kentucky 57% to 41%). 116 of Kentucky's 120 counties supported former ] Governor ] in the 2012 election while he lost to Barack Obama nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/president/kentucky/|title=2012 Kentucky Presidential Results|website=POLITICO|access-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/#/President/2012/|title=2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates|last=POLITICO|website=POLITICO|access-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref>
	Voters in the Commonwealth supported the previous three Democratic candidates elected to the White House in the late 20th century, all from Southern states: ] (]) in 1964, ] (]) in 1976, and ] (]) in 1992 and 1996. In 21st-century presidential elections, the state has become a Republican stronghold, supporting that party's presidential candidates by double-digit margins from 2000 through 2016. At the same time, voters have continued to elect Democratic candidates to state and local offices in many jurisdictions.
	{| class=wikitable
	|-
	! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2020<ref name="kypartyreg" />
	|-
	! colspan = 2 | Party
	! Number of voters
	! Percentage
	|-
	{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}}
	| ]
	| style="text-align:center;"| 1,680,046
	| style="text-align:center;"| 48.42%
	|-
	{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}}
	| ]
	| style="text-align:center;"| 1,483,086
	| style="text-align:center;"| 42.75%
	|-
	{{party color|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
	| Other		| Other
			|align=right| {{bartable|0.3|%|2||background:brown}}
	| style="text-align:center;"| 306,276
			|align=right| {{bartable|0.9|%|2||background:brown}}
	| style="text-align:center;"| 8.83%
	|-
	! colspan = 2 | Total
	! style="text-align:center;"| 3,469,408
	! style="text-align:center;"| 100%
	|}
	==Demographics==
	{{Main|Demographics of Kentucky}}
	]
	{{US Census population
	|1790= 73677
	|1800= 220955
	|1810= 406511
	|1820= 564317
	|1830= 687917
	|1840= 779828
	|1850= 982405
	|1860= 1155684
	|1870= 1321011
	|1880= 1648690
	|1890= 1858635
	|1900= 2147174
	|1910= 2289905
	|1920= 2416630
	|1930= 2614589
	|1940= 2845627
	|1950= 2944806
	|1960= 3038156
	|1970= 3218706
	|1980= 3660777
	|1990= 3685296
	|2000= 4041769
	|2010= 4339367
	|estimate= 4467673
	|estyear= 2019
	|align-fn=center
	|footnote=Source: 1790–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ukcc.uky.edu/census/21.txt |title=Kentucky population |access-date=December 7, 2011}}</ref><br />1910–2010<ref>{{cite web|author=Resident Population Data |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |title=Resident Population Data – 2010 Census |publisher=2010.census.gov |access-date=December 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118011236/http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |archive-date=November 18, 2011 }}</ref><br />2018 Estimate<ref name="PopEstUS">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ky,US/PST045218|title=QuickFacts Kentucky; UNITED STATES|website=2018 Population Estimates|publisher=], Population Division|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>
	}}
	The ] estimates that the population of Kentucky was 4,467,673 on July 1, 2019, a 2.96% increase since the ].<ref name="PopEstUS"/>
	As of July 1, 2016, Kentucky had an estimated population of 4,436,974, which is an increase of 12,363 from the prior year and an increase of 97,607, or 2.2%, since the year 2010. This includes a ] since the last census of 73,541 people (that is 346,968 births minus 273,427 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 26,135 people into the state. ] from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 40,051 people, and migration within the country produced a net decrease of 13,916 people. {{as of|2015}}, Kentucky's population included about 149,016 foreign-born persons (3.4%). In 2016 the population density of the state was 110 people per square mile (42.5/km<sup>2</sup>).<ref name="PopEstUS"/>
	Kentucky's population has grown during every decade since records have been kept. But during most decades of the 20th century there was also net out-migration from Kentucky. Since 1900, rural Kentucky counties have had a net loss of more than a million people to migration, while urban areas have experienced a slight net gain.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.kltprc.net/books/exploring/Chpt_3.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327130302/http://www.kltprc.net/books/exploring/Chpt_3.htm| archive-date = March 27, 2009 | title = Migration in Kentucky: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?| access-date = April 30, 2007| last = Price| first = Michael| website = Exploring the Frontier of the Future: How Kentucky Will Live, Learn and Work| publisher = University of Louisville| pages = 5–10}}</ref>
	Kentucky's ] is in ], in the city of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |format=TXT |title=Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=December 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223204810/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |archive-date=February 23, 2010 }}</ref>
	===Race and ancestry===
	{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.0em; border:none;"
	|-
	! colspan="2" style="background:#ccf;"|Race/Ethnicity (])
	|-
	|White, non-Hispanic
	|align=right|86.3%
	|-
	|Black or African American
	|align=right|7.8%
	|-
	|Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
	|align=right|3.1%
	|-
	|Asian
	|align=right|1.1%
	|-
	|American Indian or Alaska Native
	|align=right|0.2%
	|-
	|Pacific Islander
	|align=right|0.1%
	|}		|}
	{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible"		{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible"
	|+ '''Kentucky racial breakdown of population'''		|+ '''Historical racial demographics'''
	|-		|-
	! Racial composition !! 1990<ref>{{cite web|author1=Campbell Gibson and Kay Jung |title=Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |website=census.gov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224151538/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |date=September 2002 |url-status=dead }}</ref>!! 2000<ref>{{cite web|last1=Office|first1=US Census Bureau Public Information|title=Census 2000 data for Kentucky|url=https://www.census.gov/census2000/states/ky.html|website=www.census.gov|access-date=January 14, 2017|language=EN-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118074958/http://www.census.gov/census2000/states/ky.html|archive-date=January 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|title=2010 Census Data|website=Census.gov|access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>		! Racial composition !! 1990<ref>{{cite web|author1=Campbell Gibson and Kay Jung |title=Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |website=census.gov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224151538/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |date=September 2002 |url-status=dead }}</ref>!! 2000<ref>{{cite web|last1=Office Bureau Public Information|title=Census 2000 data for Kentucky|url=https://www.census.gov/census2000/states/ky.html|website=www.census.gov|access-date=January 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118074958/http://www.census.gov/census2000/states/ky.html|archive-date=January 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|title=2010 Census Data|website=Census.gov|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522200920/https://census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref>!! 2010<ref name="2010DP1">{{Cite web |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDPCD1152010.DP1?g=040XX00US21 |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Kentucky |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 2, 2024}}</ref>!! 2020<ref name="2020DP1">{{Cite web |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?g=040XX00US21 |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2020 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Kentucky |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 2, 2024}}</ref>
	!2015 (Est.)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/21,00|title=Population estimates, July 1, 2015, (V2015)|website=www.census.gov|access-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref>
	|-		|-
	| ] || 92.0% || 90.1% || 87.8%		| ] || 92.0% || 90.1% || 87.8% || 82.4%
	|88.1%
	|-		|-
	| ] || 7.1% || 7.3% || 7.8%		| ] || 7.1% || 7.3% || 7.8% || 8.0%
	|8.3%
	|-		|-
	| ] || 0.5% || 0.7% || 1.1%		| ] || 0.5% || 0.7% || 1.1% || 1.7%
	|1.4%
	|-		|-
	| ] and<br />] || 0.2% || 0.2% || 0.2%		| ] and<br />] || 0.2% || 0.2% || 0.2% || 0.3%
	|0.3%
	|-		|-
	| ] and<br />] || – || – || 0.1%		| ] and<br />] || – || – || 0.1% || 0.1%
	|0.1%
	|-		|-
	| ] || 0.2% || 0.6% || 1.3%		| ] || 0.2% || 0.6% || 1.3% || 2.1%
	| –
	|-		|-
	| ] || – || 1.0% || 1.7%		| ] || – || 1.0% || 1.7% || 5.4%
	|1.8%
	|}		|}
	According to U.S. Census Bureau official statistics, the largest ancestry in 2013 was ] totalling 20.2%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=U.S. Census website |author=Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS) |website=census.gov }}</ref> In 1980, before the status of ethnic American was an available option on the official census, the largest claimed ancestries in the commonwealth were ] (49.6%), ] (26.3%), and ] (24.2%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf|title=Ancestry of the Population by State: 1980 – Table 3|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref><ref> By Dominic J. Pulera.</ref><ref>Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', ''Demography'', Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.</ref><ref>Stanley Lieberson and Lawrence Santi, 'The Use of Nativity Data to Estimate Ethnic Characteristics and Patterns', ''Social Science Research'', Vol. 14, No. 1 (1985), pp. 44–6.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |first1=Stanley |last1=Lieberson |name-list-style=amp |first2=Mary C. |last2=Waters |title=Ethnic Groups in Flux: The Changing Ethnic Responses of American Whites |journal=Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science |volume=487 |issue=79 |year=1986 |pages=82–86 |doi=10.1177/0002716286487001004 |s2cid=60711423 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_B04001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212214531/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_B04001 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=American FactFinder |publisher=U.S. Census |access-date=August 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212210601/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP3|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=American FactFinder |publisher=U.S. Census |access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref> In the state's most urban counties of ], ], ], ], ], and ], German is the largest reported ancestry. Americans of ] and ] stock are present throughout the entire state. Many residents claim Irish ancestry because of known "Scots-Irish" among their ancestors, who immigrated from Ireland, where their ancestors had moved for a period from Scotland during the plantation period.		According to U.S. Census Bureau official statistics, the state's largest ancestry in 2013 was ], totalling 20.2%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/ |title=U.S. Census website |author=Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS) |website=census.gov |access-date=June 25, 2016 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1980, before the status of ethnic American was an available option on the official census, the largest claimed ancestries in the commonwealth were ] (49.6%), ] (26.3%), and ] (24.2%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf|title=Ancestry of the Population by State: 1980 – Table 3|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715201633/http://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf|archive-date=July 15, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016002633/https://books.google.com/books?id=SVoAXh-dNuYC&pg=PA57&dq=Sharing+the+dream:+white+males+in+multicultural+America++english+ancestry&cd=1 |date=October 16, 2015 }} By Dominic J. Pulera.</ref><ref>Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', ''Demography'', Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.</ref><ref>Stanley Lieberson and Lawrence Santi, 'The Use of Nativity Data to Estimate Ethnic Characteristics and Patterns', ''Social Science Research'', Vol. 14, No. 1 (1985), pp. 44–6.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |first1=Stanley |last1=Lieberson |name-list-style=amp |first2=Mary C. |last2=Waters |title=Ethnic Groups in Flux: The Changing Ethnic Responses of American Whites |journal=Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science |volume=487 |issue=79 |year=1986 |pages=82–86 |doi=10.1177/0002716286487001004 |s2cid=60711423 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_B04001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212214531/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_B04001 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=American FactFinder |publisher=U.S. Census |access-date=August 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212210601/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP3|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=American FactFinder |publisher=U.S. Census |access-date=August 7, 2014}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=August 2024}} In the urban counties of ], ], ], ], ], and ], German is the largest reported ancestry.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} Americans of ] and ] ancestry are present throughout the entire state. Many residents claim Irish ancestry on account of Scotch-Irish (]) descent. In the 1980s, the only counties in the United States where over half of the population cited "English" as their only ancestry group were in eastern Kentucky.<ref name="Eugene James Turner 1988">James Paul Allen and Eugene James Turner, ''We the People: An Atlas of America's Ethnic Diversity'' (Macmillan, 1988), 41.</ref>
			In the 2000 census, some 20,000 people (0.49%) in the state self-identified as Native American. The state has no ] or ].<ref>{{cite web |title=State Recognized Tribes |url=http://www.ncsl.org/research/state-tribal-institute/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx |publisher=National Conference of State Legislatures |access-date=April 6, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901061023/https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/quad-caucus/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx |archive-date=September 1, 2022}}</ref>
	As of the 1980s, the only counties in the United States where over half of the population cited "]" as their only ancestry group were in the hills of eastern Kentucky (virtually every county in this region had a majority of residents identifying as exclusively English in ancestry).<ref name="Eugene James Turner 1988">James Paul Allen and Eugene James Turner, ''We the People: An Atlas of America's Ethnic Diversity'' (Macmillan, 1988), 41.</ref>
			African-Americans, who were mostly enslaved at the time, made up 25% of Kentucky's population before the ]; they were held and worked primarily in the central ], an area of hemp and tobacco cultivation, as well as raising blooded livestock. The number of African Americans living in Kentucky declined during the 20th century amid the ]; today, 8% of the state's total population is African-American.<ref name="Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census">{{cite web |title=Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census |url=https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815165418/https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The state's African-American population is highly urbanized, with 44.2% living in ] and 52% living in the broader Louisville metropolitan area. Other areas with high concentrations include ] and ] counties and the cities of ] and ].
	The ] organized in the early 21st century as a non-profit to gain structure for their community and increase awareness of Native Americans in Kentucky. In the 2000 census, some 20,000 people in the state identified as Native American (0.49%). In June 2011, Jerry "2 Feather" Thornton, a ], led a team in the Voyage of Native American Awareness 2011 canoe journey, to begin on the Green River in ] and travel through to the Ohio River at ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104801/http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/a-canoe-voyage-to-increase-cultural-understanding-24554 |date=January 17, 2013 }}, ''Indian Country Today'', May 19, 2011, accessed January 16, 2012</ref>
			The Hispanic and Asian populations in Kentucky are small, but have grown significantly since the late 20th century. Most of Kentucky's Hispanic residents are of ] ancestry, while most of Kentucky's Asian residents are of Chinese and Indian heritage.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kentucky/Plant-and-animal-life#ref279943 | title=Kentucky – Forests, Mammals, Birds &#124; Britannica | access-date=November 19, 2023 | archive-date=November 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119145244/https://www.britannica.com/place/Kentucky/Plant-and-animal-life#ref279943 | url-status=live }}</ref> There is also a Vietnamese community in Lexington and Louisville, and Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao populations in Bowling Green.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
	African Americans, who were mostly enslaved at the time, made up 25% of Kentucky's population before the ]; they were held and worked primarily in the central ], an area of hemp and tobacco cultivation, as well as raising blooded livestock. The number of African Americans living in Kentucky declined during the 20th century. Many migrated during the early part of the century to the industrial North and Midwest during the ] for jobs and the chance to leave segregated, oppressive societies. Today, less than 9% of the state's total population is African-American.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}
	The state's African-American population is highly urbanized and 52% of them live in the Louisville metropolitan area; 44.2% of them reside in ]. The county's population is 20% African American.<!--year?--> Other areas with high concentrations, beside Christian and Fulton counties and the Bluegrass region, are the cities of ] and ]. Some mining communities in far Southeastern Kentucky have populations that are between five and 10 percent African-American.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}
	===Language===		===Language===
			In 2000, 96% of all residents of the state five years old and older spoke only ] at home, a small decrease from 98% in 1990. Speech patterns in the state generally reflect the first settlers' Virginia backgrounds. South Midland features are best preserved in the mountains, with ] in most other areas of Kentucky, but some common to Midland and Southern are widespread. After a vowel, the /r/ may be weak or missing. For instance, ''Coop'' has the vowel of ''put'', but the root rhymes with ''boot''. In southern Kentucky, earthworms are called ''redworms'', a burlap bag is known as a ''tow sack'' or the ''Southern grass sack'', and green beans are called ''snap beans''. In Kentucky English, a young man may ''carry'', not escort, his girlfriend to a party.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}
			] is the second-most-spoken language in Kentucky, after English.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}
	In 2000 96.1% of all residents five years old and older spoke only ] at home, a decrease from 97.5% in 1990.<ref name="city-data.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.city-data.com/states/Kentucky-Languages.html|title=Kentucky – Languages|website=city-data.com|access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>
	]]]
	Speech patterns in the state generally reflect the first settlers' Virginia and Kentucky backgrounds. South Midland features are best preserved in the mountains, but some common to Midland and Southern are widespread.<ref name="city-data.com"/> After a vowel, the /r/ may be weak or missing. For instance, ''Coop'' has the vowel of ''put'', but the root rhymes with ''boot''. In southern Kentucky, earthworms are called ''redworms'', a burlap bag is known as a ''tow sack'' or the ''Southern grass sack'', and green beans are called ''snap beans''. In Kentucky English, a young man may ''carry'', not escort, his girlfriend to a party.<ref name="city-data.com"/>
	] is the second-most-spoken language in Kentucky, after English.<ref name="city-data.com"/>
	===Religion===		===Religion===
	{{See also|Religion in Louisville, Kentucky}}		{{See also|Religion in Louisville, Kentucky}}
	] (then College of the Bible), 1904]]		] (then College of the Bible), 1904]]
	{{bar box		{{bar box
	|title=Religion in Kentucky (2014)<ref name="pew2014">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/|title=Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics |work=Pew Research Center}}</ref>		|title=Religion in Kentucky (2014)<ref name="pew2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/|title=Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics|work=Pew Research Center|access-date=December 3, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329123045/http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	|titlebar=		|titlebar=
	|left1=religion		|left1=Religion
	|right1=percent		|right1=Percent
	|float=right		|float=right
	|bars=		|bars=
Line 740:		Line 693:
	** 33% ], 1,448,947 adherents (23% within the ], 1,004,407 adherents)		** 33% ], 1,448,947 adherents (23% within the ], 1,004,407 adherents)
	** 7.1% ], 305,955 adherents (4.4% in the ], 189,596 adherents)		** 7.1% ], 305,955 adherents (4.4% in the ], 189,596 adherents)
	** 1.5% ], 64,958 adherents		** 1.5% ], 64,958 adherents
	* 8.3% ], 359,783 adherents		* 8.3% ], 359,783 adherents
	* 0.74% ], 31,991 adherents		* 0.74% ], 31,991 adherents
	* 0.60% other religions, 26,080 adherents (0.26% ], 0.16% ], 0.06% ], 0.01% ], other ], etc.)		* 0.60% other religions, 26,080 adherents (0.26% ], 0.16% ], 0.06% ], 0.01% other)
	Kentucky is home to several seminaries. ] in ] is the principal seminary for the ]. Louisville is also the home of the ], an institution of the ]. Lexington has one seminary, ] (affiliated with the ]). The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky is located on the campus of ] in Georgetown. ], a multi-denominational seminary in the ] tradition, is located in nearby ].		Being a Southern state in the ], Kentucky is predominantly Christian and is home to several seminaries. ] in ] is the principal seminary for the ]. Louisville is the home of the ], an institution of the ]. Lexington has one seminary, ] (affiliated with the ]). The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky is located on the campus of ] in Georgetown. ], a multi-denominational seminary in the ] tradition, is located in nearby ].
	In addition to seminaries, there are several colleges affiliated with denominations:		In addition to seminaries, there are several colleges affiliated with denominations:
Line 759:		Line 712:
	** ], in ]		** ], in ]
	* ] in ] is home to ] which is affiliated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.		* ] in ] is home to ] which is affiliated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.
	*The ] is located in ]. Author ], known as a social activist worked to reconcile Christianity with other major religions, had converted to Catholicism as a young man and became a Trappist monk; he lived and worked here from 1941 until his death in 1968.		*The ] is located in ]. Author ], known as a social activist, worked to reconcile Christianity with other major religions, had converted to Catholicism as a young man, and became a Trappist monk; he lived and worked here from 1941 until his death in 1968.
	Louisville is home to the ], the third-oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The city also holds the headquarters of the ] and their printing press. Reflecting late 19th, 20th and 21st-century immigration from different countries, Louisville also has ]ish, ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Muslims in Louisville|url=http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_101_150/muslims_in_louisville.htm|access-date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Irfi.org}}</ref> and ] communities.		Louisville is home to the ], the third-oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The city holds the headquarters of the ] and their printing press. Reflecting late 19th, 20th and 21st-century immigration from different countries, Louisville also has ]ish, ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Muslims in Louisville|url=http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_101_150/muslims_in_louisville.htm|access-date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Irfi.org|archive-date=January 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120155254/http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_101_150/muslims_in_louisville.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] communities.
	In 1996 the ] established the Festival of Faiths, the first and oldest annual interfaith festival to be held in the United States.<ref>Scanlon, Leslie. “Festival to Showcase Religious Diversity.” ''The Courier-Journal'', November 14, 1996, p. 1</ref>		In 1996 the Center for Interfaith Relations established the Festival of Faiths, the first and oldest annual interfaith festival to be held in the United States.<ref>Scanlon, Leslie. “Festival to Showcase Religious Diversity.” ''The Courier-Journal'', November 14, 1996, p. 1</ref>
	The Christian creationist apologetics group, ], along with its ], is headquartered in ].		The Christian creationist apologetics group, ], along with its ], is headquartered in ].
	==Cities and towns==
	{{Largest cities
	| name = Largest cities and towns in Kentucky
	| class = nav
	| country = Kentucky
	| stat_ref = {{URL|https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2010s-total-cities-and-towns.html|City and Town Population Totals: 2010-2019}}
	| list_by_pop = List of cities in Kentucky
	| div_name = County
	| div_link = List of counties in Kentucky
	| city_1 = Louisville, Kentucky{{!}}Louisville
	| div_1 = Jefferson County, Kentucky{{!}}Jefferson
	| pop_1 = 617,638
	| img_1 =WaterfrontPkDwnt.jpg
	| city_2 = Lexington, Kentucky{{!}}Lexington
	| div_2 = Fayette County, Kentucky{{!}}Fayette
	| pop_2 = 323,152
	| img_2 =Rupp Arena.jpg
	| city_3 = Bowling Green, Kentucky{{!}}Bowling Green
	| div_3 = Warren County, Kentucky{{!}}Warren
	| pop_3 = 70,543
	| img_3 =Pearce Ford Tower (Bowling Green, Kentucky).jpg
	| city_4 = Owensboro, Kentucky{{!}}Owensboro
	| div_4 = Daviess County, Kentucky{{!}}Daviess
	| pop_4 = 60,131
	| img_4 =Owensboro Kentucky Bridge over Ohio.JPG
	| city_5 = Covington, Kentucky{{!}}Covington
	| div_5 = Kenton County, Kentucky{{!}}Kenton
	| pop_5 = 40,341
	| img_5 =
	| city_6 = Richmond, Kentucky{{!}}Richmond
	| div_6 = Madison County, Kentucky{{!}}Madison
	| pop_6 = 36,157
	| img_6 =
	| city_7 = Georgetown, Kentucky{{!}}Georgetown
	| div_7 = Scott County, Kentucky{{!}}Scott
	| pop_7 = 34,992
	| img_7 =
	| city_8 = Florence, Kentucky{{!}}Florence
	| div_8 = Boone County, Kentucky{{!}}Boone
	| pop_8 = 33,004
	| img_8 =
	| city_9 = Nicholasville, Kentucky{{!}}Nicholasville
	| div_9 = Jessamine County, Kentucky{{!}}Jessamine
	| pop_9 = 30,865
	| img_9 =
	| city_10 = Hopkinsville, Kentucky{{!}}Hopkinsville
	| div_10 = Christian County, Kentucky{{!}}Christian
	| pop_10 = 30,680
	| img_10 =
	}}
	==Economy==		==Economy==
	{{See also|Economy of Louisville, Kentucky|Economy of Lexington, Kentucky|Kentucky locations by per capita income}}		{{See also|Economy of Louisville, Kentucky|Economy of Lexington, Kentucky|Kentucky locations by per capita income}}
	], is manufactured in ].]]		], is manufactured in ].]]
	], is manufactured in ].]]
	Early in its history, Kentucky gained recognition for its excellent farming conditions. It was the site of the first commercial ] in the United States (started in present-day ] in 1799) and due to the high calcium content of the soil in the Bluegrass region quickly became a major horse breeding (and later racing) area. Today Kentucky ranks 5th nationally in goat farming, 8th in ] production,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060504170140/http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm| archive-date = May 4, 2006| title = 2007 Rankings of States and Counties		Early in its history, Kentucky gained recognition for its excellent farming conditions. It was the site of the first commercial ] in the United States (started in present-day ] in 1799) and due to the high calcium content of the soil in the Bluegrass region quickly became a major horse breeding (and later racing) area. Today Kentucky ranks 5th nationally in goat farming, 8th in ] production,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060504170140/http://www.bamabeef.org/NewStateandCountyrankings05.htm| archive-date = May 4, 2006| title = 2007 Rankings of States and Counties
	| access-date = May 1, 2007| publisher = bamabeef.org}}</ref> and 14th in corn production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/EM453/docs/em453_Corn_Production_Det_Answers.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605025350/http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/EM453/docs/em453_Corn_Production_Det_Answers.pdf |archive-date=June 5, 2007 |title=Corn Production Detective |publisher=National Council on Economic Education |access-date=May 3, 2007}}</ref> Kentucky has also been a long-standing major center of the tobacco industry{{snd}}both as a center of business and tobacco farming.		| access-date = May 1, 2007| publisher = bamabeef.org}}</ref> and 14th in corn production.<ref name="econedlink2007"/> Kentucky has been a long-standing major center of the tobacco industry{{snd}}both as a center of business and tobacco farming.
	Today Kentucky's economy has expanded to importance in non-agricultural terms as well, especially in auto manufacturing, energy fuel production, and medical facilities.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Are Kentucky Farmers Prepared for Farm-Related Emergencies?|journal = Journal of Agromedicine|volume = 24|issue=1|pages = 9–14|last=Hunt|first=Matthew|date=2019|doi=10.1080/1059924x.2018.1536571|pmid = 30317936|s2cid = 52977999}}</ref>		Kentucky's economy has expanded to in non-agricultural terms as well, especially auto manufacturing, energy fuel production, and medical facilities.<ref name="Hunt 2019 9–14"/>
	Kentucky ranks 4th among U.S. states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/kentucky/kentucky-in-middle-auto-alley-429 |title=Kentucky &#124; Trade and Industry Development |publisher=Tradeandindustrydev.com |access-date=November 28, 2012}}</ref> The ], ] (2004–2009), ], ] trucks, ], ], ],<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/> ],<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/> ], ],<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/> and ]<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/> are assembled in Kentucky.		Kentucky ranks 4th among U.S. states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled.<ref name="Tradeandindustrydev.com"/> The ], ] (2004–09), ], ] trucks, ], ], ],<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" /> ],<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" /> ], ],<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" /> and ]<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" /> are assembled in Kentucky.
			], is manufactured in ].]]
	Kentucky has historically been a major coal producer, but the coal industry has been in decline since the 1980s, and the number of people employed in the coal industry there dropped by more than half between 2011 and 2015.<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/>
			Kentucky has historically been a major coal producer, but the industry has been in decline since the 1980s, and the number employed dropped by more than half between 2011 and 2015.<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" />
	{{as of|2010}}, 24% of electricity produced in the U.S. depended on either enriched uranium rods coming from the ] (the only domestic site of low grade uranium enrichment), or from the 107,336 tons of coal extracted from the state's two coal fields (which combined produce 4% percent of the electricity in the United States).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geology.utah.gov/emp/energydata/statistics/coal2.0/pdf/T2.7.pdf |title=Utah Geological Survey – U.S. Coal Production by State, 1994–2009 |access-date=December 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103115412/http://geology.utah.gov/emp/energydata/statistics/coal2.0/pdf/T2.7.pdf |archive-date=November 3, 2010 }}</ref>		{{as of|2010}}, 24% of electricity produced in the U.S. depended on either enriched uranium rods coming from the ] (the only domestic site of low-grade uranium enrichment),{{Update inline|date=May 2021|reason=closed in 2013}} or from the 107,000 tons of coal extracted from the state's two coal fields (which combined produce 4% percent of the electricity in the US).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geology.utah.gov/emp/energydata/statistics/coal2.0/pdf/T2.7.pdf |title= U.S. Coal Production by State, 1994–2009 |website=Utah Geological Survey |access-date=December 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103115412/http://geology.utah.gov/emp/energydata/statistics/coal2.0/pdf/T2.7.pdf |archive-date=November 3, 2010 }}</ref>
	Kentucky produces 95% of the world's supply of ], and the number of barrels of bourbon being aged in Kentucky (more than 5.7{{nbs}}million) exceeds the state's population.<ref name=YearInKyBusiness>{{cite news| first=Tom |last=Eblin |url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/tom-eblen/article51795000.html |title=Year in Kentucky business saw Toyota expand, bourbon boom, coal decline |newspaper=] |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="APBourbon">Associated Press, (February 3, 2015).</ref> Bourbon has been a growing market{{snd}}with production of Kentucky bourbon rising 170 percent between 1999 and 2015.<ref name=YearInKyBusiness/> In 2019 the state had more than fifty distilleries for bourbon production.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.columbusmonthly.com/entertainmentlife/20190319/best-driving-vacations-kentucky-bourbon-trail?template=ampart|title=Best Driving Vacations: Kentucky Bourbon Trail|date=March 19, 2019}}</ref>		Kentucky produces 95% of the world's supply of ], and the number of barrels of bourbon being aged in Kentucky (more than 5.7{{spaces}}million) exceeds the state's population.<ref name="YearInKyBusiness">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Eblin |url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/tom-eblen/article51795000.html |title=Year in Kentucky business saw Toyota expand, bourbon boom, coal decline |newspaper=] |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=January 3, 2016 |archive-date=December 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231033339/http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/tom-eblen/article51795000.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="APBourbon">{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2015 |title=Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey sales soar in U.S.; exports top $1B |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bourbon-tennessee-whiskey-sales-soar-in-us-exports-top-1b/ |agency=Associated Press |first1=Bruce |last1=Schreiner |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230522200347/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bourbon-tennessee-whiskey-sales-soar-in-us-exports-top-1b/ |archive-date= May 22, 2023 }}</ref> Bourbon has been a growing market{{snd}}with production of Kentucky bourbon rising 170 percent between 1999 and 2015.<ref name="YearInKyBusiness" /> In 2019 the state had more than fifty distilleries for bourbon production.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.columbusmonthly.com/entertainmentlife/20190319/best-driving-vacations-kentucky-bourbon-trail?template=ampart|title=Best Driving Vacations: Kentucky Bourbon Trail|date=March 19, 2019 |website=Columbus Monthly |first1=Sara |last1=Havens |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210428220903/https://www.columbusmonthly.com/entertainmentlife/20190319/best-driving-vacations-kentucky-bourbon-trail?template=ampart |archive-date= April 28, 2021 }}</ref>
	Kentucky exports reached a record $22.1{{nbs}}billion in 2012, with products and services going to 199 countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Snchez |first=Francisco J. |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2013/03/15/2558257/ky-one-of-fastest-growing-states.html |title=Ky. one of fastest-growing states in exporting products &#124; Op-Ed |publisher=Kentucky.com |date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=July 10, 2013}}</ref>		Kentucky exports reached a record $22.1{{spaces}}billion in 2012, with products and services going to 199 countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Snchez |first=Francisco J. |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2013/03/15/2558257/ky-one-of-fastest-growing-states.html |title=Ky. one of fastest-growing states in exporting products &#124; Op-Ed |publisher=Lexington Herald Leader |date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=July 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308122022/http://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article44410905.html |archive-date= March 8, 2016 }}</ref>
	According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state, new business investment in Kentucky in 2012 totaled nearly $2.7{{nbs}}billion, with the creation of more than 14,000 new jobs. One such investment was L'Oréal in Northern Kentucky, which added 200 jobs on top of the 280 already in existing facilities in Florence and Walton.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-15/maker-of-hair-care-products-to-expand-in-kentucky |title=Maker of hair care products to expand in Kentucky |magazine=Businessweek |access-date=July 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603095042/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-15/maker-of-hair-care-products-to-expand-in-kentucky |archive-date=June 3, 2013 }}</ref>		According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state, new business investment in Kentucky in 2012 totaled nearly $2.7{{spaces}}billion, with the creation of more than 14,000 new jobs. One such investment was L'Oréal in Northern Kentucky, which added 200 jobs on top of the 280 already in existing facilities in Florence and Walton.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-15/maker-of-hair-care-products-to-expand-in-kentucky |title=Maker of hair care products to expand in Kentucky |magazine=Businessweek |date=November 15, 2012 |access-date=July 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603095042/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-15/maker-of-hair-care-products-to-expand-in-kentucky |archive-date=June 3, 2013 }}</ref>
	], a ] post best known as the site of the ], which is used to house a large portion of the United States official ], is located in Kentucky between Louisville and ]. In May 2010, the ], the largest office building in the state at nearly {{convert|900000|sqft}} opened at Fort Knox. The new complex employs nearly 4,300 soldiers and civilians.<ref>{{cite news|author=Business First|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2010/05/24/daily42.html |title=Human resource center opens at Fort Knox |publisher=Louisville.bizjournals.com |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=November 28, 2012}}</ref>		], a ] post best known as the site of the ], which is used to house a large portion of the United States official ], is located in Kentucky between Louisville and ]. In May 2010, the ], the largest office building in the state at nearly {{convert|900000|sqft}} opened at Fort Knox. The complex employs nearly 4,300 soldiers and civilians.<ref>{{cite news |website=Louisville Business First |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2010/05/24/daily42.html |title=Human resource center opens at Fort Knox |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010163955/http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2010/05/24/daily42.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Kentucky contains two of the twenty ]: ] (in the east in ] near ]) and ] (in the south in ] in the ]).		Kentucky contains two of the twenty ]: ] (in the east in ] near ]) and ] (in the south in ] in the ]).
	The total gross state product for 2019 Q1 was $213.313{{nbs}}billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2019-07/qgdpstate0719.pdf|title=Table 3. Current-Dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State and Region, 2018:Q1-2019:Q1|access-date=September 22, 2019}}</ref> Its per-capita income was $25,888 in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KY/INC110217|title=QuickFacts Kentucky|access-date=September 22, 2019}}</ref> An organization called the Institute for Truth in Accounting estimated that the state government's debts exceeded its available assets by $26,300 per taxpayer {{as of|2011|lc=y}}, ranking the state as having the 5th highest such debt burden in the nation.<ref name="The Institute for Truth in Accounting">{{cite web|url=http://www.statedatalab.org/state_data_and_comparisons/detail/kentucky|title=State Data Lab "Snapshot by the Numbers: Kentucky|date=January 2013|access-date=April 3, 2013}}</ref>		The total gross state product for 2020 was $213{{spaces}}billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/KYNGSP |title=Gross Domestic Product: All Industry Total in Kentucky (KYNGSP) |publisher=FRED &#124; St. Louis Fed |date= |accessdate=January 27, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120223427/https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/KYNGSP |url-status=live }}</ref> Its per capita income was $25,888 in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KY/INC110217|title=QuickFacts: Kentucky|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922190952/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KY/INC110217|url-status=live}}</ref> An organization called the ] estimated that the state government's debts exceeded its available assets by $26,300 per taxpayer {{as of|2011|lc=y}}, ranking the state as having the 5th highest such debt burden in the nation.<ref name="The Institute for Truth in Accounting">{{cite web|url=http://www.statedatalab.org/state_data_and_comparisons/detail/kentucky|website=State Data Lab |title=Kentucky : State Data and Comparisons |access-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606054715/http://www.statedatalab.org/state_data_and_comparisons/detail/kentucky |archive-date= June 6, 2013 }}</ref>
	As of October 2019, the state's unemployment rate is 4.3%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kystats.ky.gov/Content/Reports/201910_EmploymentEstimates.pdf|title=Kentucky Employment: October 2019|publisher=Kentucky Office of Employment and Training|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> In 2014 Kentucky was found to be the most affordable U.S. state in which to live.<ref>{{cite web|author=CNBC |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2014/06/24/americas-cheapest-states-to-live-in-2014.html?slide=11 |title=America's cheapest states to live in 2014 |publisher= CNBC.com |access-date=November 19, 2015}}</ref>		As of March 2024, the state's unemployment rate is 4.5%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI/PressRelease/b6324192-88d1-431f-ad51-89d98bfc766f|title=Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet Releases March 2024 Unemployment Report |date=April 18, 2024 |website=Kentucky Center for Statistics |access-date=April 30, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430193723/https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI/PressRelease/b6324192-88d1-431f-ad51-89d98bfc766f |archive-date=April 30, 2024 }}</ref> In 2014 Kentucky was the most affordable U.S. state in which to live.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Scott |last1=Cohn |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/06/24/americas-cheapest-states-to-live-in-2014.html?slide=11 |title=America's cheapest states to live in 2014 |date=June 24, 2014 |publisher=CNBC |access-date=November 19, 2015 |archive-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120001643/http://www.cnbc.com/2014/06/24/americas-cheapest-states-to-live-in-2014.html?slide=11 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Update inline|date=January 2024}}
	===Taxation===		===Taxation===
			Tax is collected by the Kentucky Department of Revenue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://revenue.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx|title=Welcome – Department of Revenue|website=revenue.ky.gov|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202163714/https://revenue.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Kentucky has a flat 4% individual ] rate. The sales tax rate in Kentucky is 6%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://revenue.ky.gov/business/salesanduse.htm
	Tax is collected by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://revenue.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx|title=Welcome – Department of Revenue|website=revenue.ky.gov}}</ref>
	There are six ] brackets, ranging from 2% to 6% of personal income.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_statetaxrate_KY.html| title = Kentucky Income Tax Rates| access-date = May 1, 2007| publisher = salary. com| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070610140752/http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_statetaxrate_KY.html| archive-date = June 10, 2007| url-status = dead}}</ref> The sales tax rate in Kentucky is 6%.<ref>{{cite web
	|url=http://revenue.ky.gov/business/salesanduse.htm
	|title=Sales & Use Tax		|title=Sales & Use Tax
	|access-date=May 1, 2007		|access-date=May 1, 2007
Line 867:		Line 764:
	</ref>		</ref>
	Until January 1, 2006, Kentucky imposed a tax on intangible personal property held by a taxpayer on January{{nbs}}1 of each year. The Kentucky intangible tax was repealed under House Bill 272.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/05rs/HB272.htm| title = Text of the House Bill 272| access-date = August 10, 2007		Until January 1, 2006, Kentucky imposed a tax on intangible personal property held by a taxpayer on January{{spaces}}1 of each year. The Kentucky intangible tax was repealed under House Bill 272.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/05rs/HB272.htm| title = Text of the House Bill 272| access-date = August 10, 2007| publisher = State of Kentucky| archive-date = August 11, 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070811212831/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/05rs/hb272.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref> Intangible property consisted of any property or investment that represents evidence of value or the right to value. Some types of intangible property included: bonds, notes, retail ]s, accounts receivable, trusts, enforceable contracts sale of real estate (land contracts), money in hand, money in ]es, annuities, interests in estates, loans to stockholders, and commercial paper.
	| publisher = State of Kentucky}}</ref> Intangible property consisted of any property or investment that represents evidence of value or the right to value. Some types of intangible property included: bonds, notes, retail ]s, accounts receivable, trusts, enforceable contracts sale of real estate (land contracts), money in hand, money in ]es, annuities, interests in estates, loans to stockholders, and commercial paper.
			In 2023, Kentucky launched a regulated local and online sports betting industry. Taxing sportsbooks at 9.75% (in person) and 14.25% (online), the first two months of action saw the state collect $7.94 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rules in place, Kentucky sports betting will start in September |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2023/07/10/kentucky-sports-betting-rules-regulations-approved-andy-beshear/70392840007/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401192236/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2023/07/10/kentucky-sports-betting-rules-regulations-approved-andy-beshear/70392840007/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Zachary |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Kentucky Made $7.9 Million in Two Months with Sports Betting |url=https://www.legalsportsbetting.com/news/kentucky-made-7-9-million-in-two-months-with-sports-betting-12-11-2023/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=LegalSportsBetting.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211213643/https://www.legalsportsbetting.com/news/kentucky-made-7-9-million-in-two-months-with-sports-betting-12-11-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	===Government-promoted slogans===
	In December 2002, the Kentucky governor ] unveiled the state slogan "It's that friendly",<ref name="nbcnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8598104/ns/us_news-weird_news/t/kentucky-frowns-smiley-license-plates/#.UXW--KJwiIQ |title=Kentucky frowns on smiley license plates |publisher=NBC News |date=July 16, 2005 |access-date=July 10, 2013}}</ref> in hope of drawing more people into the state based on the idea of ]. This campaign was neither a failure nor a success.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} Though it was meant to embrace southern values, many Kentuckians rejected the slogan as cheesy and ineffective.<ref name="nbcnews.com"/> It was quickly seen that the slogan did not encourage tourism as much as initially hoped for. So government decided to create a different slogan to embrace Kentucky as a whole while also encouraging more people to visit the Bluegrass.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kentucky.gov/Pages/unbridledspirit.aspx |title=Unbridled Spirit→Information |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=State of Kentucky |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601090945/http://kentucky.gov/Pages/unbridledspirit.aspx |archive-date=June 1, 2008 }}</ref>
	In 2004, then Governor ] launched a comprehensive ]ing campaign with the hope of making the state's $12–14{{nbs}}million advertising budget more effective.<ref>{{cite web|title = Branding campaign puts Kentucky in step with national trend – Louisville – Louisville Business First|url = http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2004/12/06/story3.html|website = Louisville Business First|access-date = November 27, 2015}}</ref> The resulting "Unbridled Spirit" brand was the result of a $500,000 contract with New West, a Kentucky-based public relations advertising and marketing firm, to develop a viable brand and tag line.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/02/business/02addes.html?_r=0 | work=The New York Times | title='Unbridled Spirit' Wins Kentucky Slogan Vote | date=December 2, 2004}}</ref> The Fletcher administration aggressively marketed the brand in both the public and private sectors. Since that time, the "Welcome to Kentucky" signs at border areas have an "Unbridled Spirit" symbol on them.
	===Tourism===		===Tourism===
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	] in ]]]		] in ]]]
	Tourism has become an increasingly important part of the Kentucky economy. In 2019 tourism grew to $7.6{{nbs}}billion in economic impact. Key attractions include ] with events like ] and the ] Fall and Spring Meets, ] distillery tours and natural attractions such as the state's many lakes and parks to include ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lanereport.com/116031/2019/08/kentucky-tourism-announces-increased-visitor-growth-and-spending-in-2018/|title=Kentucky Tourism says visitor spending rose to $7.6 billion in 2018 – Lane Report &#124; Kentucky Business & Economic News}}</ref>		Tourism has become an increasingly important part of the Kentucky economy. In 2019 tourism grew to $7.6{{spaces}}billion in economic impact. Key attractions include ] with events like ] and the ] Fall and Spring Meets, ] distillery tours, including along the ] and Louisville Urban Bourbon Trail,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louisville, KY's Urban Bourbon Trail (UBT) |url=https://www.bourboncountry.com/things-to-do/urban-bourbon-trail/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219050143/http://www.bourboncountry.com/things-to-do/urban-bourbon-trail/index.aspx |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=BourbonCounty.com}}</ref> and natural attractions such as the state's many lakes and parks to include ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lanereport.com/116031/2019/08/kentucky-tourism-announces-increased-visitor-growth-and-spending-in-2018/|title=Kentucky Tourism says visitor spending rose to $7.6 billion in 2018|date=August 14, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2020|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914053739/https://www.lanereport.com/116031/2019/08/kentucky-tourism-announces-increased-visitor-growth-and-spending-in-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	The state also has several religious destinations such as the ] and ] of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Itinerary: Northern Kentucky Biblical Wonders |url=https://www.kentuckytourism.com/culture/spirituality/spiritual-itineraries/northern-kentucky-biblical-wonders |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Answers in Genesis|url=https://answersingenesis.org/ |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>		The state also has several religious destinations such as the ] and ] of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Itinerary: Northern Kentucky Biblical Wonders |url=https://www.kentuckytourism.com/culture/spirituality/spiritual-itineraries/northern-kentucky-biblical-wonders |access-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918144205/https://www.kentuckytourism.com/culture/spirituality/spiritual-itineraries/northern-kentucky-biblical-wonders |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Answers in Genesis|url=https://answersingenesis.org/|access-date=September 20, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220152012/https://answersingenesis.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In December 2002, the Kentucky governor ] unveiled the state slogan "It's that friendly",<ref name="nbcnews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8598104 |title=Kentucky frowns on smiley license plates |publisher=NBC News |date=July 16, 2005 |access-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-date=February 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218183645/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8598104/ns/us_news-weird_news/t/kentucky-frowns-smiley-license-plates/#.UXW--KJwiIQ |url-status=live }}</ref> in the hope of drawing more people into the state based on the idea of ]. Though it was meant to embrace southern values, many Kentuckians rejected the slogan as cheesy and generic.<ref name="nbcnews.com" /> It was seen that the slogan did not encourage tourism as much as initially hoped for.
	====The Horse Industry====
			In 2004, then Governor ] launched a comprehensive ]ing campaign with the hope of making the state's $12–14{{spaces}}million advertising budget more effective.<ref>{{cite web|title = Branding campaign puts Kentucky in step with national trend – Louisville – Louisville Business First|url = http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2004/12/06/story3.html|website = Louisville Business First|access-date = November 27, 2015|archive-date = January 1, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052615/http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2004/12/06/story3.html|url-status = live}}</ref> The resulting "Unbridled Spirit" brand was the result of a $500,000 contract with New West, a Kentucky-based public relations advertising and marketing firm, to develop a viable brand and tag line.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/02/business/02addes.html?_r=0 | work=The New York Times | title='Unbridled Spirit' Wins Kentucky Slogan Vote | date=December 2, 2004 | access-date=February 19, 2017 | archive-date=February 18, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218191446/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/02/business/02addes.html?_r=0 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Fletcher administration aggressively marketed the brand in both the public and private sectors. Since that time, the "Welcome to Kentucky" signs at border areas have an "Unbridled Spirit" symbol on them.
			====Horse industry====
	{{See also|Horse racing in the United States}}		{{See also|Horse racing in the United States}}
	] in ]]]		] in Lexington]]
			Horse Racing has long been associated with Kentucky. ], the home of the Derby, is a large venue with a capacity exceeding 165,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211485/second-highest-derby-attendance-handle |title=Second-Highest Derby Attendance, Handle |website=bloodhorse.com |date=May 7, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624144615/https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211485/second-highest-derby-attendance-handle |url-status=live }}</ref> The track hosts multiple events throughout the year and is a significant draw to the city of Louisville. ], in Lexington, hosts two major meets, the Spring and Fall running. Beyond hosting races Keeneland also hosts a significant horse auction drawing buyers from around the world. In 2019 $360{{spaces}}million was spent on the September Yearling sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-biggest-horse-sale-keeneland-kentucky-photos-2019-10|title=What it's like going to the 'Super Bowl of horse sales,' where royals and millionaires bid on horses they hope might be the next Kentucky Derby winner|first=Katie|last=Warren|website=Business Insider|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=September 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910093425/https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-biggest-horse-sale-keeneland-kentucky-photos-2019-10|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] in ] hosts multiple events throughout the year, including international equestrian competitions and also offers horseback riding from April to October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kyhorsepark.com/|title=Home|website=Kentucky Horse Park|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211005859/https://kyhorsepark.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			==Education==
			{{Main| Education in Kentucky|History of education in Kentucky}}
			{{See also|Education Reform in Kentucky|List of colleges and universities in Kentucky|List of high schools in Kentucky|List of school districts in Kentucky}}
			] at the ], Kentucky's ] university.]]
			] at the ], Kentucky's urban research university.]]
			Kentucky maintains eight public four-year universities. There are two general tiers: major research institutions (the ] and the ]) and regional universities, which encompass the remaining six schools. The regional schools have specific target counties that many of their programs are targeted towards (such as Forestry at ] or Cave Management at ]), however, most of their curriculum varies little from any other public university.
			The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Louisville (UofL) have the highest academic rankings and admissions standards although the regional schools are not without their national recognized departments{{snd}}examples being Western Kentucky University's nationally ranked Journalism Department or ] offering one of the nation's only Space Science degrees. UK is the flagship and land grant of the system and has agriculture extension services in every county. The two research schools split duties related to the medical field, UK handles all medical outreach programs in the eastern half of the state while UofL does all medical outreach in the state's western half.
			The state's sixteen public two-year colleges have been governed by the ] since the passage of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, commonly referred to as House Bill 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/recarch/97ss/HB1/bill.doc |title=Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=State of Kentucky |archive-date=June 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605025349/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/recarch/97ss/HB1/bill.doc |url-status=dead }}</ref> Before the passage of House Bill 1, most of these colleges were under the control of the ].
			], a liberal arts university located in Lexington, was founded in 1780 as the oldest university west of the ].
			], located at the extreme southern edge of the Bluegrass below the Cumberland Plateau, was the first coeducational college in the ] to admit both Black and white students, doing so from its very establishment in 1855.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/vol10no1/mendel.cfm |title=Berea College:Learning, Labor, and Service |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Diversity Web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705210337/http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/vol10no1/mendel.cfm |archive-date=July 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A state law in 1904 ended integration, and the law was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in the case of '']'' in 1908.The state law was repealed in 1950 and Berea resumed integration.<ref>Shannon H. Wilson, ''Berea College: An Illustrated History'' (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2006).</ref>
			There are 173 school districts and 1,233 public schools in Kentucky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/About+Schools+and+Districts/Kentuckys+Schools+and+Districts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302123424/http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/About%2BSchools%2Band%2BDistricts/Kentuckys%2BSchools%2Band%2BDistricts/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 2, 2007 |title=Kentucky's Schools and Districts |publisher=Kentucky Department of Education |access-date=June 6, 2012 }}</ref> For the 2010 to 2011 school year, there were approximately 647,827 students enrolled in public school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/HomePageRepository/News+Room/Kentucky+Education+Facts.htm |title=Kentucky Education Facts |publisher=Kentucky Department of Education |access-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420022820/http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/HomePageRepository/News%20Room/Kentucky%20Education%20Facts.htm |archive-date=April 20, 2012 }}</ref>
			Kentucky has been the site of much educational reform over the past two decades. In 1989 the ] ruled the state's education system was unconstitutional.<ref>{{citation | last=Miller | first=Mary Helen | last2=Noland | first2=Kevin | last3=Schaaf | first3=John | date=April 1990 | title=A Guide to the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 | publication-place=Frankfort, Kentucky | publisher=Legislative Research Commission | s2cid=151134069 | oclc=21743013 | id={{ERIC|ED327352}}}}</ref> The response of the ] was passage of the ] (KERA) the following year. Years later, Kentucky has shown progress, but most agree that further reform is needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kltprc.net/foresight/Chpt_37.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207091202/http://www.kltprc.net/foresight/Chpt_37.htm |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |title=Education Reform and Equitable Excellence: The Kentucky Experiment |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Roeder |first=Phillip}}</ref>
			The ] teachers' strike in 2018 inspired ], including Kentucky, to take similar action.<ref>{{cite news |title=At least 4 Kentucky school districts close amid protests |url=https://www.apnews.com/3622dc9b61204787a5b5f3da24e409e1 |work=Associated Press |date=March 7, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904120515/https://www.apnews.com/3622dc9b61204787a5b5f3da24e409e1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Horse Racing has long been associated with Kentucky. ], the home of the Derby, is a large venue with a capacity exceeding 165,000.<ref>http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211485/second-highest-derby-attendance-handle</ref> The track hosts multiple events throughout the year and is a significant draw to the city of Louisville. ], in Lexington, hosts two major meets, the Spring and Fall running. Beyond hosting races Keeneland also hosts a significant horse auction drawing buyers from around the world. In 2019 $360{{nbs}}million was spent on the September Yearling sale.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-biggest-horse-sale-keeneland-kentucky-photos-2019-10|title=What it's like going to the 'Super Bowl of horse sales,' where royals and millionaires bid on horses they hope might be the next Kentucky Derby winner|first=Katie|last=Warren|website=Business Insider}}</ref> The ] in ] hosts multiple events throughout the year, including international equestrian competitions and also offers horseback riding from April to October.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kyhorsepark.com/|title=Home|website=Kentucky Horse Park}}</ref>
	==Transportation==		==Transportation==
	{{Main|Transportation in Kentucky}}		{{Main|Transportation in Kentucky}}
	] is the longest route in Kentucky, pictured here west of ].]]		] is the longest route in Kentucky, pictured here west of ].]]
	===Roads===		===Roads===
Line 901:		Line 820:
	{{See also|List of Kentucky State Highways}}		{{See also|List of Kentucky State Highways}}
	Kentucky is served by six major ] (], ], ], ], ], and ]), seven ], and six bypasses and spurs (], ], ], ], ], and ]). The parkways were originally ]s, but on November 22, 2006, Governor ] ended the toll charges on the ] and the ], the last two parkways in Kentucky to charge tolls for access.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kctcs.net/todaysnews/index.cfm?tn_date=2006-09-28#6693 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008233115/http://www.kctcs.net/todaysnews/index.cfm?tn_date=2006-09-28#6693 |archive-date=October 8, 2006 |title=Fletcher:Tolls to end November 22 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Stinnett |first=Chuck}}</ref> The related ] have been demolished.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.courierpress.com/news/2006/nov/22/onlookers-cheer-booth-destruction-at-ceremony/| title = Onlookers Cheer Booth Destruction at Ceremony| access-date = August 10, 2007| last = Stinnett| first = Chuck| date = November 22, 2006| publisher = Courier Press}}</ref>		Kentucky is served by six major ] (], ], ], ], ], and ]), seven ], and six bypasses and spurs (], ], ], ], ], and ]). The parkways were originally ]s, but on November 22, 2006, Governor ] ended the toll charges on the ] and the ], the last two parkways in Kentucky to charge tolls for access.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kctcs.net/todaysnews/index.cfm?tn_date=2006-09-28#6693 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008233115/http://www.kctcs.net/todaysnews/index.cfm?tn_date=2006-09-28#6693 |archive-date=October 8, 2006 |title=Fletcher:Tolls to end November 22 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Stinnett |first=Chuck}}</ref> The related ] have been demolished.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.courierpress.com/news/2006/nov/22/onlookers-cheer-booth-destruction-at-ceremony/| title = Onlookers Cheer Booth Destruction at Ceremony| access-date = August 10, 2007| last = Stinnett| first = Chuck| date = November 22, 2006| publisher = Courier Press| archive-date = September 1, 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070901145219/http://www.courierpress.com/news/2006/nov/22/onlookers-cheer-booth-destruction-at-ceremony/| url-status = live}}</ref>
	Ending the tolls some seven months ahead of schedule was generally agreed to have been a positive economic development for transportation in Kentucky. In June 2007, a law went into effect raising the speed limit on rural portions of Kentucky Interstates and parkways from {{convert|65|to|70|mph}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20070626/NEWS01/706260437|newspaper=]|title=Many new laws go on books today|author=Steitzer, Stephanie|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref>		Ending the tolls some seven months ahead of schedule was generally agreed to have been a positive economic development for transportation in Kentucky. In June 2007, a law went into effect raising the speed limit on rural portions of Kentucky Interstates and parkways from {{convert|65|to|70|mph}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20070626/NEWS01/706260437|newspaper=]|title=Many new laws go on books today|author=Steitzer, Stephanie|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref>
Line 910:		Line 829:
	{{See also|List of Kentucky railroads}}		{{See also|List of Kentucky railroads}}
	] over the ] was the tallest rail bridge in the world when it was completed in 1877.]]		] over the ] was the tallest rail bridge in the world when it was completed in 1877.]]
	], the national passenger rail system, provides service to ], ], ] and ]. The '']'' (trains 50 and 51) is the line that offers Amtrak service to Ashland, South Shore, Maysville and South Portsmouth. The '']'' (trains 58 and 59) serve Fulton. The ] area is served by the ''Cardinal'' at ]. The terminal is just across the ] in ].		], the national passenger rail system, provides service to ], ], ] and ]. The '']'' (trains 50 and 51) is the line that offers Amtrak service to Ashland, South Shore, Maysville and South Portsmouth. The '']'' (trains 58 and 59) serve Fulton. The ] area is served by the ''Cardinal'' at ]. The terminal is just across the ] in ].
	] passes through the Central and Southern parts of the Commonwealth, via its ] (CNO&TP) subsidiary. The line originates in ] and terminates 338 miles south in ].		] passes through the Central and Southern parts of the Commonwealth, via its Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Texas Pacific (CNO&TP) subsidiary. The line originates in ] and terminates 338 miles south in ].
	{{as of|2004}}, there were approximately {{convert|2640|mi}} of railways in Kentucky, with about 65% of those being operated by ]. ] was by far the most common cargo, accounting for 76% of cargo loaded and 61% of cargo delivered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aar.org/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx|format=PDF |title=Railroad Service in Kentucky |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Association of American Railroads |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104804/https://www.aar.org/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=January 17, 2013}} Also, Norfolk Southern's main north–south line runs through central and southern Kentucky, starting in Cincinnati. Formerly the CNO&TP subsidiary of Southern Railway, it is NS's most profitable line.		{{as of|2004}}, there were approximately {{convert|2640|mi}} of railways in Kentucky, with about 65% of those being operated by ]. ] was by far the most common cargo, accounting for 76% of cargo loaded and 61% of cargo delivered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aar.org/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx|format=PDF |title=Railroad Service in Kentucky |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Association of American Railroads |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104804/https://www.aar.org/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=January 17, 2013}} Also, Norfolk Southern's main north-south line runs through central and southern Kentucky, starting in Cincinnati. Formerly the CNO&TP subsidiary of Southern Railway, it is NS's most profitable line.
	</ref>		</ref>
	] features a ] known as ''My Old Kentucky Dinner Train''. Run along a {{convert|20|mi|km|-1|adj=on}} stretch of rail purchased from ] in 1987, guests are served a four-course meal as they make a two-and-a-half-hour round-trip between Bardstown and Limestone Springs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/visitorsguide/stories/071100_dinnertrain.html|title=On the Right Track – Kentucky Dinner Train serves up railroad nostalgia |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Knight |first=Andy |newspaper=Cincinnati.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410021419/http://www.cincinnati.com/visitorsguide/stories/071100_dinnertrain.html |archive-date=April 10, 2007}}		] features a ] known as ''My Old Kentucky Dinner Train''. Run along a {{convert|20|mi|km|-1|adj=on}} stretch of rail purchased from ] in 1987, guests are served a four-course meal as they make a two-and-a-half-hour round-trip between Bardstown and Limestone Springs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/visitorsguide/stories/071100_dinnertrain.html|title=On the Right Track – Kentucky Dinner Train serves up railroad nostalgia |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Knight |first=Andy |newspaper=Cincinnati.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410021419/http://www.cincinnati.com/visitorsguide/stories/071100_dinnertrain.html |archive-date=April 10, 2007}}
	</ref> The ] is located in nearby ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kyrail.org/ |title= Kentucky Railway Museum|access-date=May 1, 2007}}</ref>		</ref> The ] is located in nearby ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kyrail.org/ |title=Kentucky Railway Museum |access-date=May 1, 2007 |archive-date=April 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426023631/http://www.kyrail.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Other areas in Kentucky are reclaiming old railways in ] projects. One such project is Louisville's ]. When the bridge's Indiana approach ramps opened in 2014, completing the pedestrian connection across the Ohio River, the Big Four Bridge ] became the second-longest pedestrian-only bridge in the world.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Courier-Journal|title=Bridges money may be shifted|last=Shafer|first=Sheldon|date=March 5, 2007}}</ref> The longest pedestrian-only bridge is also found in Kentucky{{snd}}the ], popularly known as the "Purple People Bridge", connecting ] to ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/04/20/loc_purplebridge20.html |title= Meet the Purple People Bridge|access-date=May 1, 2007 |last= Crowley|first= Patrick|date=April 23, 2003 |newspaper= Cincinnati Enquirer}}</ref>		Other areas in Kentucky are reclaiming old railways in ] projects. One such project is Louisville's ]. When the bridge's Indiana approach ramps opened in 2014, completing the pedestrian connection across the Ohio River, the Big Four Bridge ] became the second-longest pedestrian-only bridge in the world.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Courier-Journal|title=Bridges money may be shifted|last=Shafer|first=Sheldon|date=March 5, 2007}}</ref> The longest pedestrian-only bridge is also found in Kentucky{{snd}}the ], popularly known as the "Purple People Bridge", connecting ] to ].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/04/20/loc_purplebridge20.html|title= Meet the Purple People Bridge|access-date= May 1, 2007|last= Crowley|first= Patrick|date= April 23, 2003|newspaper= Cincinnati Enquirer|archive-date= February 20, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210220152134/https://www.cincinnati.com/|url-status= live}}</ref>
	===Air===		===Air===
Line 930:		Line 849:
	Kentucky's primary airports include ] (Standiford Field (SDF)) of ], ] (CVG) of ]/], and ] (LEX) in ]. Louisville International Airport is home to ]'s ], its international air-sorting hub.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flylouisville.com/about-the-airport/ |title=Fast Facts |access-date=September 11, 2007 |publisher=Louisville International Airport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920170324/https://www.flylouisville.com/about-the-airport/ |archive-date=September 20, 2012 }}</ref> Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the largest airport in the state, and is a focus city for passenger airline ] and headquarters of its ]. The airport is one of ]'s three super-hubs, serving destinations throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it the 7th busiest airport in the U.S. and 36th in the world based on passenger and cargo operations.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} CVG is also a focus city for ] and is the largest O&D airport and base for ], along with home to a maintenance for ] subsidiary ] and ] subsidiary ]. There are also a number of regional airports scattered across the state.		Kentucky's primary airports include ] (Standiford Field (SDF)) of ], ] (CVG) of ]/], and ] (LEX) in ]. Louisville International Airport is home to ]'s ], its international air-sorting hub.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flylouisville.com/about-the-airport/ |title=Fast Facts |access-date=September 11, 2007 |publisher=Louisville International Airport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920170324/https://www.flylouisville.com/about-the-airport/ |archive-date=September 20, 2012 }}</ref> Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the largest airport in the state, and is a focus city for passenger airline ] and headquarters of its ]. The airport is one of ]'s three super-hubs, serving destinations throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it the 7th busiest airport in the U.S. and 36th in the world based on passenger and cargo operations.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} CVG is also a focus city for ] and is the largest O&D airport and base for ], along with home to a maintenance for ] subsidiary ] and ] subsidiary ]. There are also a number of regional airports scattered across the state.
	On August 27, 2006, Blue Grass Airport was the site of a crash that killed 47 passengers and 2{{nbs}}crew members aboard a ] designated ], or Delta Air Lines Flight 5191, sometimes mistakenly identified by the press as Comair Flight 5191.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/special_packages/crash/15378422.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105013158/http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/special_packages/crash/15378422.htm |archive-date=November 5, 2006 |title=Crash Kills 49 |date=November 5, 2006 |access-date=December 7, 2011}}</ref> The lone survivor was the flight's ], James Polehinke, who doctors determined to be brain damaged and unable to recall the crash at all.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/03/national/main2059120.shtml |title=Comair Crash Survivor Leaves Hospital |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=CBS | date=October 3, 2006}}</ref>		On August 27, 2006, Blue Grass Airport was the site of a crash that killed 47 passengers and 2{{spaces}}crew members aboard a ] designated ], or Delta Air Lines Flight 5191, sometimes mistakenly identified by the press as Comair Flight 5191.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/special_packages/crash/15378422.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105013158/http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/special_packages/crash/15378422.htm |archive-date=November 5, 2006 |title=Crash Kills 49 |date=November 5, 2006 |access-date=December 7, 2011}}</ref> The lone survivor was the flight's ], James Polehinke, who doctors determined to be brain damaged and unable to recall the crash at all.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/comair-crash-survivor-leaves-hospital/ |title=Comair Crash Survivor Leaves Hospital |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=CBS |date=October 3, 2006 |archive-date=December 3, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061203025058/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/03/national/main2059120.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
	], the only manmade section of the ]]]		], the only manmade section of the ]]]
Line 946:		Line 865:
	The only natural obstacle along the entire length of the Ohio River is the ], located just west of ].		The only natural obstacle along the entire length of the Ohio River is the ], located just west of ].
	==Subdivisions and settlements==		==Law and government==
	===Counties===
	{{See also|List of counties in Kentucky|Fiscal Court}}		{{Further|Government of Kentucky}}
			Kentucky is one of four U.S. states to officially use the term ''].'' The term was used for Kentucky as it had also been used by Virginia, from which Kentucky was created. The term has no particular significance in its meaning and was chosen to emphasize the distinction from the status of royal colonies as a place governed for the general welfare of the populace.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525150528/http://www.uky.edu/KentuckyAtlas/kentucky.html |date=May 25, 2012 }}, Kentucky Atlas & Gazetteer, ] website.</ref> Kentucky was originally styled as the "State of Kentucky" in the act admitting it to the Union and its first constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/law/help/statutes-at-large/1st-congress.php|title=Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America|author=United States Congress|website=Statutes at Large: 1st Congress|date=September 2014|page=189|access-date=June 4, 2017|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507145334/http://www.loc.gov/law/help/statutes-at-large/1st-congress.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Kentucky is subdivided into 120 ], the largest being ] at {{convert|787.6|sqmi|km2}}, and the most populous being ] (which ] the ] ]) with 741,096 residents {{as of|2010|lc=y}}.<ref>, University of Kentucky</ref>
			The "Commonwealth" term was used in citizen petitions submitted between 1786 and 1792 for the creation of the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kentucky|url=https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/kentucky|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=HISTORY|language=en|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620153533/https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/kentucky|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also used in the title of a history of the state that was published in 1834 and was used in various places within that book in references to Virginia and Kentucky.<ref>Butler, Mann, '''', Wilcox, Dickerman & Co., 1834.</ref> The other three states officially called "commonwealths" are ], ], and ]; the territories of ] and the ] are also formally commonwealths.
	County government, under the ] of 1891, is vested in the ], (formerly called the County Judge) who serves as the ] head of the county, and a ] called a ]. Despite the unusual name, the Fiscal Court no longer has ] functions.
			Kentucky is one of only five states that elect their state officials in odd-numbered years (the others being ], ], ], and ]). Kentucky holds elections for these offices every four years in the years preceding Presidential election years. Thus, Kentucky held gubernatorial elections in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
	===Consolidated city-county governments===
			===Executive branch===
	Kentucky's two most populous counties, Jefferson and Fayette, have their ]. ''Louisville-Jefferson County Government'' (]) and ''Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government'' (]) are unique in that their city councils and county Fiscal Court structures have been merged into a single entity with a single ], the ] and Urban County Mayor, respectively. Although the counties still exist as subdivisions of the state, in reference the names Louisville and Lexington are used to refer to the entire area coextensive with the former cities and counties. Somewhat incongruously, when entering Lexington-Fayette the highway signs read "Fayette County" while most signs leading into Louisville-Jefferson simply read "Welcome to Louisville Metro".
			]]]
	===Major cities===
			The executive branch is headed by the ], who serves as both ] and ]. The ] may or may not have executive authority depending on whether the person is a member of the Governor's ]. Under the current ], the lieutenant governor assumes the duties of the governor only if the governor is incapacitated. (Before 1992 the lieutenant governor assumed power any time the governor was out of the state.) The governor and lieutenant governor usually run on a single ticket (also per a 1992 constitutional amendment) and are elected to four-year terms. The current governor is ], and the lieutenant governor is ]. Both are ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/357f0e6196414923acee9ee7aebdf8b8|title=Beshear set for 'next chapter' as Bevin concedes in Kentucky|date=November 14, 2019|website=AP NEWS|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117002146/https://apnews.com/357f0e6196414923acee9ee7aebdf8b8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/matt-bevin-concedes-defeat-in-kentucky-governors-race/2019/11/14/42fc0ea7-2d26-4f87-9856-07f6c701ad7b_video.html|title=Matt Bevin concedes defeat in Kentucky governor's race|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115232142/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/matt-bevin-concedes-defeat-in-kentucky-governors-race/2019/11/14/42fc0ea7-2d26-4f87-9856-07f6c701ad7b_video.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
	{{See also|List of cities in Kentucky}}
	{{Largest cities
	| name = Largest cities
	| country = Kentucky
	| stat_ref = Source:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biggestuscities.com/ky|title=Biggest US Cities By Population – Kentucky – 2017 Populations|date=February 21, 2019|publisher=City Population|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>
	| list_by_pop =
	| class = nav
	| div_name =
	| div_link = Counties of Kentucky{{!}}County
	| city_1 = Louisville, Kentucky{{!}}Louisville
	| div_1 = Jefferson County, Kentucky{{!}}Jefferson
	| pop_1 = 623,349
	| img_1 = Louisville Skyline.jpg
	| city_2 = Lexington, Kentucky{{!}}Lexington
	| div_2 = Fayette County, Kentucky{{!}}Fayette
	| pop_2 = 321,959
	| img_2 = LexingtonDowntown.JPG
	| city_3 = Bowling Green, Kentucky{{!}}Bowling Green
	| div_3 = Warren County, Kentucky{{!}}Warren
	| pop_3 = 67,067
	| img_3 = Shops_along_Fountain_Square_in_Bowling_Green,_Kentucky_2008.JPG
	| city_4 = Owensboro, Kentucky{{!}}Owensboro
	| div_4 = Daviess County, Kentucky{{!}}Daviess
	| pop_4 = 59,404
	| img_4 = Owensboro2ndStAnn.JPG
	| city_5 = Covington, Kentucky{{!}}Covington
	| div_5 = Kenton County, Kentucky{{!}}Kenton
	| pop_5 = 40,455
	| img_5 =
	| city_6 = Richmond, Kentucky{{!}}Richmond
	| div_6 = Madison County, Kentucky{{!}}Madison
	| pop_6 = 35,397
	| img_6 =
	| city_7 = Georgetown, Kentucky{{!}}Georgetown
	| div_7 = Scott County, Kentucky{{!}}Scott
	| pop_7 = 33,660
	| img_7 =
	| city_8 = Florence, Kentucky{{!}}Florence
	| div_8 = Boone County, Kentucky{{!}}Boone
	| pop_8 = 32,305
	| img_8 =
	| city_9 = Hopkinsville, Kentucky{{!}}Hopkinsville
	| div_9 = Christian County, Kentucky{{!}}Christian
	| pop_9 = 30,789
	| img_9 =
	| city_10 = Nicholasville, Kentucky{{!}}Nicholasville
	| div_10 = Jessamine County, Kentucky{{!}}Jessamine
	| pop_10 = 30,553
	| img_10 =
	}}
			The executive branch is organized into the following "cabinets", each headed by a secretary who is also a member of the governor's cabinet:<ref>{{cite web|title=Organizational Charts|work=Kentucky Personnel|publisher=Kentucky Personnel Cabinet|access-date=December 23, 2020|url=https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/OrgCharts.aspx|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101151723/https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/OrgCharts.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	The ] government area has a 2018 population of 1,298,990. Under ] methodology, the population of Louisville was 623,867. The latter figure is the population of the so-called ]{{snd}}the parts of Jefferson County that were either unincorporated or within the City of Louisville before the formation of the merged government in 2003. In 2018 the ] (CSA) had a population of 1,569,112; including 1,209,191 in Kentucky, which means more than 25% of the state's population now lives in the Louisville CSA. Since 2000, over one-third of the state's population growth has occurred in the Louisville CSA. In addition, the top 28 wealthiest places in Kentucky are in Jefferson County and seven of the 15 wealthiest counties in the state are located in the Louisville CSA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ksdc.louisville.edu/|title=Kentucky State Data Center|publisher=Ksdc.louisville.edu|access-date=August 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828171408/http://www.ksdc.louisville.edu/|archive-date=August 28, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Nonspecific|date=March 2017}}
			* General Government Cabinet
	The second largest city is Lexington with a 2018 census population of 323,780, its metro had a population of 516,697, and its ], which includes the ] and ] statistical areas, having a population of 746,310. The ] area, which comprises the seven Kentucky counties in the ], had a population of 447,457 in 2018. The metropolitan areas of Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky have a combined population of 2,402,958 {{as of|2018|lc=y}}, which is 54% of the state's total population on only about 19% of the state's land. This area is often referred to as the Golden triangle as it contains a majority of the state's wealth, population, population growth, and economic growth, it is also where most of the state's largest cities by population are located. It is referred to the Golden triangle as the metro areas of Lexington, Louisville, and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati outline a triangle shape. Interstates I-71, I-75, and I-64 form the triangle shape. Additionally all counties in Kentucky that are part of a MSA or CSA have a total population of 2,970,694, which is 67% of the state's population.
			* ]
			* Cabinet for Economic Development
			* Finance and Administration Cabinet
			* Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet
			* Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
			* Cabinet for Health and Family Services
			* ]
			* Personnel Cabinet
			* Labor Cabinet
			* ]
			* Public Protection Cabinet
			The cabinet system was introduced in 1972 by Governor ] to consolidate hundreds of government entities that reported directly to the governor's office.<ref>{{cite book|title=Kentucky Government, Politics, and Public Policy|editor1-first=James C.|editor1-last=Clinger|editor2-first=Michael W.|editor2-last=Hail|location=Lexington, Kentucky|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|date=October 8, 2013|page=70|isbn=978-0-8131-4315-6|quote=By 1972 Governor Wendell Ford found himself in a situation similar to that of Governor ] thirty-six years earlier. At this time the executive branch had grown to over 60 departments and agencies and 210 boards and commissions falling under the jurisdiction of the governor. Governor Ford issued a reorganization report creating six cabinet departments and a framework for an executive branch that would be more manageable and accountable. As of 2012, this has grown to eleven cabinet departments with three additional cabinet-rank members under the office of Governor ]. Each cabinet agency is headed by a secretary who serves at the will of the governor.}}</ref>
	{{as of|2017}} ] had a population of 67,067, making it the third most-populous city in the state. The ] had an estimated population of 174,835; and the ] it shares with ] has an estimated population of 228,743.
			Other elected constitutional offices include the ], ], Auditor of Public Accounts, ] and Commissioner of Agriculture. Currently, Republican ] serves as the Secretary of State. The commonwealth's chief prosecutor, law enforcement officer, and law officer is the Attorney General, currently Republican ]. The Auditor of Public Accounts is Republican ]. Republican ] is the current Treasurer. Republican ] is the current ].
	The two other fast growing urban areas in Kentucky are the ] area and the "Tri Cities Region" of southeastern Kentucky, comprising ], ] and ].
			===Legislative branch===
	Although only one town in the "Tri Cities" (Somerset) currently has more than 12,000 people, the area has been experiencing heightened population and job growth since the 1990s. Growth has been especially rapid in Laurel County, which outgrew areas such as Scott and Jessamine counties around Lexington or Shelby and Nelson Counties around Louisville. London significantly grew in population in the 2000s, from 5,692 in 2000 to 7,993 in 2010. London also landed a ] distribution center in 1997, bringing thousands of jobs to the community.
			]
			Kentucky's legislative branch consists of a ] body known as the ]. The ] is considered the ]. It has 38 members and is led by the ], currently ] (]). The ] has 100 members, and is led by the Speaker of the House, currently ] of the Republican Party.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-house-speaker-jeff-hoover-resigns-as-speaker-of-the-house/13304171|title=Representative Jeff Hoover resigns as Speaker of the House|last=Shaw|first=Courtney|date=November 6, 2017|work=WLKY|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923005843/https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-house-speaker-jeff-hoover-resigns-as-speaker-of-the-house/13304171|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In 2016, Republicans won control of the House for the first time since 1922. The party currently holds supermajorities in both chambers.<ref name="Hoover">{{cite web|url=http://www.wave3.com/story/34171035/jeff-hoover-becomes-kentuckys-first-republican-house-speaker-in-96-years|title=Jeff Hoover becomes Kentucky's first Republican House Speaker in 96 years|last=Boyd|first=Gordon|date=January 3, 2017|publisher=]|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002236/http://www.wave3.com/story/34171035/jeff-hoover-becomes-kentuckys-first-republican-house-speaker-in-96-years|url-status=live}}</ref>
	In northeast Kentucky, the greater ] area is an important transportation, manufacturing, and medical center. ] and ] production, as well as the transport of coal by rail and ], have been historical pillars of the region's economy. Due to a decline in the area's industrial base, Ashland has seen a sizable reduction in its population since 1990; however, the population of the area has since stabilized with the medical service industry taking a greater role in the local economy. The Ashland area, including the counties of ] and ], are part of the ] (MSA). As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649. More than 21,000 of those people ({{as of|2010|lc=y}}) reside within the city limits of Ashland.
			===Judicial branch===
	The largest county in Kentucky by area is ], which contains ] and suburb ]. The county and surrounding area is the most populated region in the state that is not part of a ] or a ] containing nearly 200,000 people in five counties: ], ], ], and neighboring ]. Pike County contains slightly more than 68,000 people.
			The judicial branch of Kentucky is called the Kentucky Court of Justice<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx|title=Kentucky Court of Justice – Home|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014242/https://courts.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and comprises courts of ] called District Courts; courts of general jurisdiction called ]; specialty courts such as Drug Court<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/courtprograms/drugcourt/Pages/default.aspx|title=Adult Drug Court – Kentucky Drug Court: Saving Costs, Saving Lives|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=January 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119181832/http://courts.ky.gov/courtprograms/drugcourt/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Family Court;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courts.ky.gov/courts/familycourt/Pages/default.aspx|title=Family Court|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121174533/http://courts.ky.gov/courts/familycourt/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> an intermediate appellate court, the ]; and a court of last resort, the ].
	Only three U.S. states have capitals with smaller populations than Kentucky's ] (pop. 25,527): ] (pop. 18,560), ] (pop. 13,876), and ] (pop. 8,035).
			The Kentucky Court of Justice is headed by the ] of the Commonwealth. The chief justice is appointed by, and is an elected member of, the Supreme Court of Kentucky. The current chief justice is ].
	==Education==
			Unlike federal judges, who are usually appointed, justices serving on Kentucky state courts are chosen by the state's populace in non-partisan elections.
	{{Main| Education in Kentucky}}
	{{See also|Education Reform in Kentucky|List of colleges and universities in Kentucky|List of high schools in Kentucky|List of school districts in Kentucky}}
	] at the ], Kentucky's ] university.]]
	] at the ], Kentucky's urban research university.]]
			===Federal representation===
	Kentucky maintains eight public four-year universities. There are two general tiers: major research institutions (the ] and the ]) and regional universities, which encompasses the remaining six schools. The regional schools have specific target counties that many of their programs are targeted towards (such as Forestry at ] or Cave Management at ]), however most of their curriculum varies little from any other public university.
			]]]
	UK and UofL have the highest academic rankings and admissions standards although the regional schools aren't without their national recognized departments{{snd}}examples being Western Kentucky University's nationally ranked Journalism Department or ] offering one of the nation's only Space Science degrees. UK is the flagship and land grant of the system and has agriculture extension services in every county. The two research schools split duties related to the medical field, UK handles all medical outreach programs in the eastern half of the state while UofL does all medical outreach in the state's western half.
			Kentucky's two ] are Senate Minority Leader ] and ], both Republicans. The state is divided into six ], represented by Republicans ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]) and Democrat ] (]).
	The state's sixteen public two-year colleges have been governed by the ] since the passage of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, commonly referred to as House Bill 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/recarch/97ss/HB1/bill.doc |title=Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=State of Kentucky }}
			In the federal judiciary, Kentucky is served by two ]s: the ], with its primary seat in Lexington, and the ], with its primary seat in Louisville. Appeals are heard in the ], based in ], Ohio.
	</ref> Before the passage of House Bill 1, most of these colleges were under the control of the ].
			===Law===
	], a liberal arts university located in Lexington, was founded in 1780 as the oldest university west of the ].
			]]]
	], located at the extreme southern edge of the Bluegrass below the Cumberland Plateau, was the first coeducational college in the ] to admit both black and white students, doing so from its very establishment in 1855.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/vol10no1/mendel.cfm |title=Berea College:Learning, Labor, and Service |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Diversity Web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705210337/http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/vol10no1/mendel.cfm |archive-date=July 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This policy was successfully challenged in the ] in the case of '']'' in 1908.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brownat50.org/brownCases/PreBrownCases/BereavKty1908.html |title=Berea College v. Kentucky |publisher=Brownat50.org |access-date=December 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227013611/http://www.brownat50.org/brownCases/PreBrownCases/BereavKty1908.html |archive-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This decision effectively segregated Berea until the landmark '']'' in 1954.
	There are 173 school districts and 1,233 public schools in Kentucky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/About+Schools+and+Districts/Kentuckys+Schools+and+Districts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302123424/http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/About%2BSchools%2Band%2BDistricts/Kentuckys%2BSchools%2Band%2BDistricts/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 2, 2007 |title=Kentucky's Schools and Districts |publisher=Kentucky Department of Education |access-date=June 6, 2012 }}</ref> For the 2010 to 2011 school year, there were approximately 647,827 students enrolled in public school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/HomePageRepository/News+Room/Kentucky+Education+Facts.htm |title=Kentucky Education Facts |publisher=Kentucky Department of Education |access-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420022820/http://www.kde.state.ky.us/KDE/HomePageRepository/News%20Room/Kentucky%20Education%20Facts.htm |archive-date=April 20, 2012 }}</ref>		Kentucky's body of laws, known as the ] (KRS), were enacted in 1942 to better organize and clarify the whole of Kentucky law.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statrev/revoff.htm |title=Reviser of Statutes Office – History and Functions |publisher=Kentucky Legislative Research Commission |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-date=February 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206205857/http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statrev/revoff.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The statutes are enforced by local ], ] and deputy sheriffs, and ]s and deputy constables. Unless they have completed a ] elsewhere, these officers are required to complete Police Officer Professional Standards (POPS) training at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Center on the campus of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docjt.jus.state.ky.us/history.html |title=History of the DOCJT |publisher=Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice |access-date=December 27, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323200601/http://docjt.jus.state.ky.us/history.html |archive-date=March 23, 2006 }}</ref> Additionally, in 1948, the ] established the ], making it the 38th state to create a force whose jurisdiction extends throughout the given state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/history.htm |title=History of the Kentucky State Police |publisher=Kentucky State Police |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206002358/http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/history.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			Kentucky is one of the ] that sanctions the ] for certain murders defined as heinous. Those convicted of capital crimes after March 31, 1998, are always executed by ]; those convicted on or before this date may opt for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/methods-execution#state |title=Authorized Methods of Execution by State |publisher=Death Penalty Information Center |access-date=December 28, 2006 |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225054450/http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/methods-execution#state |url-status=live }}</ref> Only ] have been executed in Kentucky since the ] re-instituted the practice in 1976. The most notable execution in Kentucky was that of ] on August 14, 1936. Bethea was publicly hanged in ] for the ] and murder of Lischia Edwards.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kypost.com/2001/jun/11/bethea061101.html |title=The Last Public Execution in America |work=]|last=Long |first=Paul A. |date=June 11, 2001 |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117233210/http://www.kypost.com/2001/jun/11/bethea061101.html |archive-date=January 17, 2006}}</ref> Irregularities with the execution led to this becoming the last public execution in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/apr/010430.execution.html |title=The Last Public Execution in America |publisher=] |last=Montagne |first=Renee |date=May 1, 2001 |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808204951/https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/apr/010430.execution.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Kentucky has been the site of much educational reform over the past two decades. In 1989 the ] ruled the state's education system was unconstitutional.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED327352&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=eric_accno&objectId=0900000b8004b71c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011234758/http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED327352&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=eric_accno&objectId=0900000b8004b71c |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |title=A Guide to the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 |access-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Education Resources Information Center}}</ref> The response of the ] was passage of the ] (KERA) the following year. Years later, Kentucky has shown progress, but most agree that further reform is needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kltprc.net/foresight/Chpt_37.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207091202/http://www.kltprc.net/foresight/Chpt_37.htm |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |title=Education Reform and Equitable Excellence: The Kentucky Experiment |access-date=May 1, 2007 |last=Roeder |first=Phillip}}</ref>
			Kentucky has been on the front lines of the debate over displaying the ] on public property. In the 2005 case of '']'', the ] upheld the decision of the ] that a display of the ] in the ] courthouse of ] was unconstitutional.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/03-1693.ZS.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616194116/http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/03-1693.ZS.html |archive-date=June 16, 2009 |title=''McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky'' |publisher=] Law School |access-date=December 27, 2006}}</ref> Later that year, Judge ], writing for the ] in the case of ''] of Kentucky v. ]'', wrote that a display including the ], the ], the ], ], '']'', and the ] could be erected in the ] courthouse.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0477p-06.pdf |title=Text of decision in ''ACLU of Kentucky v. Mercer County'' |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-date=December 6, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206084948/http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0477p-06.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
	The ] teachers' strike in 2018 inspired ], including Kentucky, to take similar action.<ref>{{cite news |title=At least 4 Kentucky school districts close amid protests |url=https://www.apnews.com/3622dc9b61204787a5b5f3da24e409e1 |work=Associated Press |date=March 7, 2019}}</ref>
			Kentucky has been known to have unusually high political candidacy age laws, especially compared to surrounding states. The origin of this is unknown.
	==Culture==
			===Politics===
			{{Further|Political party strength in Kentucky}}
			] of the popular vote by county, 2016 presidential election]]
			Since the late 1990s, Kentucky has supported ] candidates for most federal political offices, and, more recently, for state-level office as well. The state leaned toward the ] from 1860 through the 1990s, and was considered a ] at the presidential level for most of the latter half of the 20th century.
			The southeastern region of the state aligned with the ] during the war and has consistently supported Republican candidates. The central and western portions of the state were heavily Democratic in the years leading to the Civil War, were pro-secessionist and pro-Confederate during the Civil War, and in the decades following the war. Kentucky was part of the Democratic ] in the second half of the nineteenth century and through the majority of the twentieth century.
			Mirroring a broader national reversal of party composition, the Kentucky Democratic Party of the twenty-first century primarily consists of liberal whites, African Americans, and other minorities. Although most of the state's voters have reliably elected Republican candidates for federal office since the late 1990s, Democrats held an advantage in party registration until 2022. On July 15, 2022, the ]'s office announced that for the first time in its history, the commonwealth had more registered ] than registered Democrats, with 45.19% of the state's voters registered as Republicans, 45.12% registered as Democrats, and 9.69% registered with ] or as independents.<ref name="kypartyreg">{{cite web|url=https://elect.ky.gov/Resources/Documents/voterstatscounty-20220115-075312.pdf|title=Election Statistics Registration Statistics|website=elect.ky.gov|access-date=January 19, 2022|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119190209/https://elect.ky.gov/Resources/Documents/voterstatscounty-20220115-075312.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
			From 1964 through 2004, Kentucky voted for the eventual winner of the election for President of the United States; however, in the ] the state lost its ] status. Republican ] won Kentucky, but he lost the national popular and electoral vote to Democrat ] (McCain carried Kentucky 57% to 41%). 116 of Kentucky's 120 counties supported former ] Governor ] in the 2012 election while he lost to Barack Obama nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/president/kentucky/|title=2012 Kentucky Presidential Results|website=POLITICO|access-date=June 25, 2016|archive-date=June 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623182920/http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/president/kentucky/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/#/President/2012/|title=2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates|last=POLITICO|website=POLITICO|access-date=June 25, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627220942/http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/#/President/2012/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			Voters in the Commonwealth have supported the previous three Democratic candidates elected to the White House in the late 20th century, all from Southern states: ] (]) in 1964, ] (]) in 1976, and ] (]) in 1992 and 1996. In the twenty-first century presidential elections, the state has become a Republican stronghold, supporting that party's presidential candidates by double-digit margins from 2000 through 2020. At the same time, voters have continued to elect Democratic candidates to state and local offices in many jurisdictions.
			] is notable for having held the longest streak of any county in the United States voting Democratic. Founded in 1869, Elliott County supported the Democratic nominee in every presidential election from ] (the first in which it participated) until ]. In ], ] became the first Republican to ever carry the county, and he did so in a 44-point landslide, highlighting the modern Republican Party's dominance among rural whites and many ancestrally Democratic, socially-conservative voters.
			Kentucky is one of the most ] states in the United States. A 2014 poll conducted by ] found that 57% of Kentucky's population thought that ] should be illegal in all/most cases, while only 36% thought that abortion should be legal in all/most cases.<ref>{{cite web|title=Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics|url=https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/compare/views-about-abortion/by/state/|access-date=April 17, 2021|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411213946/https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/compare/views-about-abortion/by/state/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In a 2020 study, Kentucky was ranked as the 8th hardest state for citizens to vote in.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=J. Pomante II |first1=Michael |last2=Li |first2=Quan |title=Cost of Voting in the American States: 2020 |journal=Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy |date=December 15, 2020 |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=503–509 |doi=10.1089/elj.2020.0666 |s2cid=225139517 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
			{| class="wikitable"
			|-
			! colspan="6" | Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 2024<ref name=KYSBE>{{cite web|url=https://elect.ky.gov/Resources/Pages/Registration-Statistics.aspx|title=Registration Statistics|publisher=Kentucky State Board of Elections|date=February 2023|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106154714/https://elect.ky.gov/Resources/Pages/Registration-Statistics.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
			|-
			! colspan="2" | Party
			! Number of voters
			! Percentage
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;" | 1,659,088
			| style="text-align:center;" | 46.76%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;" | 1,508,617
			| style="text-align:center;" | 42.52%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
			| Other
			| style="text-align:center;" | 213,506
			| style="text-align:center;" | 6.02%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Independent politician}}
			| Independent
			| style="text-align:center;" | 166,925
			| style="text-align:center;" | 4.70%
			|-
			! colspan="2" | Total
			! style="text-align:center;" | 3,548,136
			! style="text-align:center;" | 100.00%
			|}
			==Culture==
	{{Main|Culture of Kentucky}}		{{Main|Culture of Kentucky}}
	{{See also|Theater in Kentucky|Performing arts in Louisville, Kentucky|List of attractions and events in the Louisville metropolitan area}}		{{See also|Theater in Kentucky|Performing arts in Louisville, Kentucky|List of attractions and events in the Louisville metropolitan area}}
	]]]		]]]
	Although Kentucky's ] is generally considered to be ], it is unique in that it is also influenced by the ] and ] in certain areas of the state. The state is known for ] and ] distilling, ], ], and ]. Kentucky is more similar to the ] in terms of ancestry that is predominantly American.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/c2kbr-35.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040920132346/http://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/c2kbr-35.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2004 |title=Ancestry 2000: Census 2000 Brief |author=Brittingham, Angela & de la Cruz, G. Patricia |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 28, 2007 |date=June 2004 }}</ref>		Kentucky culture is firmly ], and influenced by that of ]. The state is known for ] and ] distilling, ], ], and ]. Kentucky is more similar to the ] in terms of ancestry that is predominantly American.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/c2kbr-35.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040920132346/http://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/c2kbr-35.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2004 |title=Ancestry 2000: Census 2000 Brief |author1=Brittingham, Angela |author2=de la Cruz, G. Patricia |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 28, 2007 |date=June 2004 }}</ref>
	Nevertheless, during the 19th century, Kentucky did receive a substantial number of German immigrants, who settled mostly in the Midwest, along the Ohio River primarily in Louisville, Covington and Newport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kygermanscw.yolasite.com/the-story.php |title=Kentucky's German Americans in the Civil War |publisher=Kygermanscw.yolasite.com |access-date=July 2, 2010}}</ref> Only Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia have higher German ancestry percentages than Kentucky among Census-defined Southern states, although Kentucky's percentage is closer to Arkansas and Virginia's than the previously named state's percentages. ]s, ]s and ]s have heavily influenced Kentucky culture, and are present in every part of the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?state=101&variable=494 |title=2000 Census: Percent Reporting Any German Ancestry |access-date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234406/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?state=101&variable=494 |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of the 1980s the only counties in the United States where more than half the population cited "English" as their only ancestry group were all in the hills of eastern Kentucky (and made up virtually every county in this region).<ref name="Eugene James Turner 1988"/>		Nevertheless, during the 19th century, Kentucky did receive a substantial number of German immigrants, who settled mostly in the Midwest and parts of the Upper South, along the Ohio River primarily in Louisville, Covington and Newport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kygermanscw.yolasite.com/the-story.php |title=Kentucky's German Americans in the Civil War |publisher=Kygermanscw.yolasite.com |access-date=July 2, 2010 |archive-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603023147/http://kygermanscw.yolasite.com/the-story.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Only Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia have higher German ancestry percentages than Kentucky among Census-defined Southern states, although Kentucky's percentage is closer to Arkansas and Virginia's than the previously named state's percentages. ]s, ]s and ]s have heavily influenced Kentucky culture, and are present in every part of the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?state=101&variable=494 |title=2000 Census: Percent Reporting Any German Ancestry |access-date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234406/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?state=101&variable=494 |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of the 1980s the only counties in the United States where more than half the population cited "English" as their only ancestry group were all in the hills of eastern Kentucky (and made up virtually every county in this region).<ref name="Eugene James Turner 1988"/>
	Kentucky was a ], and blacks once comprised over one-quarter of its population; however, it lacked the ] ] system and never had the same high percentage of African Americans as most other slave states. While less than 8% of the total population is black, Kentucky has a relatively significant rural African American population in the Central and Western areas of the state.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/cromartie.ppt| title = High Poverty in the Rural U.S. and South: Progress and Persistence in the 1990s| access-date=June 28, 2007| author = Beale, Calvin| date = July 21, 2004| format = PowerPoint| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070626232430/http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/cromartie.ppt| archive-date = June 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/womack.ppt |title=The American Black Belt Region: A Forgotten Place |access-date=June 28, 2007 |author=Womack, Veronica L. |date=July 23, 2004 |format=PowerPoint |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626232429/http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/womack.ppt |archive-date=June 26, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bowdoin.edu/~prael/branch/ex1/m4-black-belt.jpg| title = Identifying the "Black Belt" of Cash-Crop Production| access-date = June 28, 2007| author = Unknown| format = JPEG Image| publisher = Bowdoin College| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070628062351/http://www.bowdoin.edu/~prael/branch/ex1/m4-black-belt.jpg| archive-date = June 28, 2007| url-status = dead}}</ref>		Kentucky was a ], and Black people once composed over one-quarter of its population; however, it lacked the ] plantation system though it did support significant and large scale tobacco ] systems in the western and central parts of the state more similar to the plantations developed in Virginia and North Carolina than those in the Deep South, and never had the same high percentage of African Americans as most other slave states. While less than 8% of the total population is Black, Kentucky has a relatively significant rural African American population in the Central and Western areas of the state.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/cromartie.ppt| title = High Poverty in the Rural U.S. and South: Progress and Persistence in the 1990s| access-date=June 28, 2007| author = Beale, Calvin| date = July 21, 2004| format = PowerPoint| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070626232430/http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/cromartie.ppt| archive-date = June 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/womack.ppt |title=The American Black Belt Region: A Forgotten Place |access-date=June 28, 2007 |author=Womack, Veronica L. |date=July 23, 2004 |format=PowerPoint |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626232429/http://srdc.msstate.edu/poverty/ppts/womack.ppt |archive-date=June 26, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bowdoin.edu/~prael/branch/ex1/m4-black-belt.jpg| title = Identifying the "Black Belt" of Cash-Crop Production| access-date = June 28, 2007| author = Unknown| format = JPEG Image| publisher = Bowdoin College| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070628062351/http://www.bowdoin.edu/~prael/branch/ex1/m4-black-belt.jpg| archive-date = June 28, 2007| url-status = dead}}</ref>
	Kentucky adopted the ] system of ] in most public spheres after the Civil War. Louisville's 1914 ordinance for residential racial segregation was ]. However, in 1908 Kentucky enacted the ], "An Act to Prohibit White and Colored Persons from Attending the Same School", which ] ]; in 1948, ] filed suit for admission to the ]; as a result in the summer of 1949, nearly thirty African American students entered UK graduate and professional programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/145|title=Desegregation of UK – ExploreKYHistory|website=ExploreKYHistory}}</ref> Kentucky integrated its schools after the 1954 '']'' verdict, later adopting the first state civil rights act in the South in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kentucky OK's Rights Bill; 1st in South		Kentucky adopted the ] system of ] in most public spheres after the Civil War. Louisville's 1914 ordinance for residential racial segregation was ]. However, in 1908 Kentucky enacted the ], "An Act to Prohibit White and Colored Persons from Attending the Same School", which Berea College ]. In 1948, ] filed suit for admission to the ]; as a result, nearly thirty African American students entered UK graduate and professional programs in the summer of 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/145|title=Desegregation of UK – ExploreKYHistory|website=ExploreKYHistory|access-date=July 9, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830195253/http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/145|url-status=live}}</ref> Kentucky integrated its schools after the 1954 '']'' verdict, later adopting the first state civil rights act in the South in 1966.<ref>{{cite web
			|title=Kentucky OK's Rights Bill; 1st in South
	|quote=Kentucky yesterday became the first state south of the ] to adopt a civil rights measure. With only one dissenting vote, the state Senate approval a bill outlawing racial discrimination in public accommodations and employment that is stronger than the federal act of 1964. It sailed through the House 76 to 12 last week. A milder bill had failed to get out of committee in 1964{{nbs}}... Governor ] said he would sign the measure tomorrow at the base of ]'s status in the capitol rotunda.		|quote=Kentucky yesterday became the first state south of the ] to adopt a civil rights measure. With only one dissenting vote, the state Senate approval a bill outlawing racial discrimination in public accommodations and employment that is stronger than the federal act of 1964. It sailed through the House 76 to 12 last week. A milder bill had failed to get out of committee in 1964{{spaces}}... Governor ] said he would sign the measure tomorrow at the base of ]'s status in the capitol rotunda.
	|date=January 26, 1966		|date=January 26, 1966
	|author=Chicago Tribune		|author=Chicago Tribune
	|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1966/01/26/page/8/article/kentucky-oks-rights-bill-1st-in-south		|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1966/01/26/page/8/article/kentucky-oks-rights-bill-1st-in-south
	|author-link=Chicago Tribune		|author-link=Chicago Tribune
			|access-date=July 9, 2017
			|archive-date=August 31, 2017
			|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000112/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1966/01/26/page/8/article/kentucky-oks-rights-bill-1st-in-south/
			|url-status=live
	}}</ref>		}}</ref>
	] is the largest Victorian Historic neighborhood in the United States.]]		] is the largest Victorian Historic neighborhood in the United States.]]
	The biggest day in American horse racing, the ], is preceded by the two-week ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kdf.org/ |title=Derby Festival Home Page |access-date=May 13, 2011}}</ref> in Louisville. The Derby Festival features many events, including Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, Fest-a-Ville, the Chow Wagon, BalloonFest, BourbonVille, and many others leading up to the big race.		Kentucky commemorates ] but added Juneteenth as a holiday by proclamation of Governor Andy Beshear in 2024. The biggest day in American horse racing, the ], is preceded by the two-week ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kdf.org/ |title=Derby Festival Home Page |access-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-date=February 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211120931/http://kdf.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in Louisville. The Derby Festival features many events, including Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, Fest-a-Ville, the Chow Wagon, BalloonFest, BourbonVille, and many others leading up to the big race.
	Louisville also plays host to the ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kystatefair.org/ |title=Kentucky State Fair |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kyshakespeare.com/ |title=Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> ], the state's third-largest city and home to the ] that manufactures the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bg.ky.net/Corvette/newera.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227111243/http://bg.ky.net/Corvette/newera.htm |archive-date=December 27, 2007 |title=National Corvette Museum press release |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> opened the ] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ |title=National Corvette Museum Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> The fourth-largest city, ], gives credence to its nickname of "Barbecue Capital of the World" by hosting the annual ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbqfest.com/ |title=Home Page of the International Barbecue Festival |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref>		Louisville also plays host to the ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kystatefair.org/ |title=Kentucky State Fair |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=December 15, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215111620/http://kystatefair.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kyshakespeare.com/ |title=Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310085940/http://www.kyshakespeare.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ], the state's third-largest city and home to the ] that manufactures the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bg.ky.net/Corvette/newera.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227111243/http://bg.ky.net/Corvette/newera.htm |archive-date=December 27, 2007 |title=National Corvette Museum press release |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> opened the ] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ |title=National Corvette Museum Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509073653/http://www.corvettemuseum.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The fourth-largest city, ], gives credence to its nickname of "Barbecue Capital of the World" by hosting the annual ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbqfest.com/ |title=Home Page of the International Barbecue Festival |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=February 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224220704/http://bbqfest.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	], the largest ] district in the United States featuring ] and the third largest overall,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/southeast/ky_stories/0305/09lvgetaway.html |title=Stately Mansions Grace Old Louisville |publisher=] |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060422111720/http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/southeast/ky_stories/0305/09lvgetaway.html |archive-date=April 22, 2006 }}</ref> hosts the ], the largest outdoor art show in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/ |title=St. James Court Art Show Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> The neighborhood was also home to the ] (1883–1887), which featured the first public display of ]'s ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6AD56B4B-7551-4E34-AE5B-E067472C503E/0/October_2004.pdf |title=The Heart Line |publisher=Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926112913/https://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6AD56B4B-7551-4E34-AE5B-E067472C503E/0/October_2004.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2006 }}</ref> and was the setting of ]'s novel, '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldlouisville.com/literature/ |title=Old Louisville and Literature |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224022716/http://www.oldlouisville.com/Literature/ |archive-date=December 24, 2006 }}</ref>		], the largest ] district in the United States featuring ] and the third largest overall,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/southeast/ky_stories/0305/09lvgetaway.html |title=Stately Mansions Grace Old Louisville |publisher=] |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060422111720/http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/southeast/ky_stories/0305/09lvgetaway.html |archive-date=April 22, 2006 }}</ref> hosts the ], the largest outdoor art show in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/ |title=St. James Court Art Show Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=January 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112212356/http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The neighborhood was also home to the ] (1883–1887), which featured the first public display of ]'s ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6AD56B4B-7551-4E34-AE5B-E067472C503E/0/October_2004.pdf |title=The Heart Line |publisher=Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926112913/https://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6AD56B4B-7551-4E34-AE5B-E067472C503E/0/October_2004.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2006 }}</ref> and was the setting of ]'s novel, '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldlouisville.com/literature/ |title=Old Louisville and Literature |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224022716/http://www.oldlouisville.com/Literature/ |archive-date=December 24, 2006 }}</ref>
	], the birthplace of ], hosts the annual Lincoln Days Celebration, and also hosted the kick-off for the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration in February 2008. ] celebrates its heritage as a major bourbon-producing region with the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/ |title=Kentucky Bourbon Festival Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> ] mimics ], Scotland by hosting the ], its own version of the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowhighlandgames.com/ |title=Glasgow, Kentucky Highland Games Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> and ] hosts "Little Sturgis", a mini version of ]'s annual ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.littlesturgisrally.net/ |title=Little Sturgis Rally Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223053331/http://littlesturgisrally.net/ |archive-date=December 23, 2006 }}</ref>		] was the birthplace of ], who would become President of the ]; the town had the Jefferson Davis Memorial, a 351-foot concrete obelisk, built in 1917. ], the birthplace of ], hosts the annual Lincoln Days Celebration, and also hosted the kick-off for the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration in February 2008. ] celebrates its heritage as a major bourbon-producing region with the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/ |title=Kentucky Bourbon Festival Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=December 28, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061228073210/http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ] mimics ], Scotland by hosting the ], its own version of the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowhighlandgames.com/ |title=Glasgow, Kentucky Highland Games Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |archive-date=December 24, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224082919/http://www.glasgowhighlandgames.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ] hosts "Little Sturgis", a mini version of ]'s annual ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.littlesturgisrally.net/ |title=Little Sturgis Rally Home Page |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223053331/http://littlesturgisrally.net/ |archive-date=December 23, 2006 }}</ref>
			The state is famous for quilts. The ] is in Paducah. It hosts QuiltWeek, an annual competition and celebration of that attracts artists and hobbyists from the world of quilting.<ref>Linda Elisabeth LaPinta, ''Kentucky Quilts and Quiltmakers: Three Centuries of Creativity, Community, and Commerce'' (University Press of Kentucky, 2023) .</ref>
	] celebrates an original Kentucky creation, ], with its ] held annually in June.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.beercheesefestival.com/bcf/|title=HOME|website=Beer Cheese Festival}}</ref> Beer Cheese was developed in ] at some point in the 1940s along the Kentucky River.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KPl2CQAAQBAJ&q=origins+of+beer+cheese&pg=PT134 |title=A Culinary History of Kentucky: Burgoo, Beer Cheese and Goetta|isbn=9781625847478|last1=Young-Brown|first1=Fiona|date=April 1, 2014}}</ref>
			] celebrates an original Kentucky creation, ], with its ] held annually in June.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beercheesefestival.com/bcf/|title=HOME|website=Beer Cheese Festival|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019213055/http://www.beercheesefestival.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Beer Cheese was developed in ] at some point in the 1940s along the Kentucky River.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KPl2CQAAQBAJ&q=origins+of+beer+cheese&pg=PT134|title=A Culinary History of Kentucky: Burgoo, Beer Cheese and Goetta|isbn=9781625847478|last1=Young-Brown|first1=Fiona|date=April 1, 2014|publisher=Arcadia|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401192303/https://books.google.com/books?id=KPl2CQAAQBAJ&q=origins+of+beer+cheese&pg=PT134#v=snippet&q=origins%20of%20beer%20cheese&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>
	The residents of tiny ] pay tribute to their favorite tuber, the ], by hosting ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ky/tater_1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061227214402/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ky/tater_1 |archive-date=December 27, 2006 |title=Tater Day Festival A Local Legacy |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> Residents of ] in ] celebrate their city's ties to the honey industry by celebrating the Clarkson Honeyfest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.honeyfest.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513044539/http://www.honeyfest.com/ |archive-date=May 13, 2008 |title=Clarkson Honeyfest home page |access-date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> The Clarkson Honeyfest is held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in September, and is the "Official State Honey Festival of Kentucky".		The residents of tiny ] pay tribute to their favorite tuber, the ], by hosting ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ky/tater_1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061227214402/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ky/tater_1 |archive-date=December 27, 2006 |title=Tater Day Festival A Local Legacy |access-date=December 25, 2006}}</ref> Residents of ] in ] celebrate their city's ties to the honey industry by celebrating the Clarkson Honeyfest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.honeyfest.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513044539/http://www.honeyfest.com/ |archive-date=May 13, 2008 |title=Clarkson Honeyfest home page |access-date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> The Clarkson Honeyfest is held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in September, and is the "Official State Honey Festival of Kentucky".
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	{{See also|Category:Musicians from Kentucky}}		{{See also|Category:Musicians from Kentucky}}
	] is home to Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and is known as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital", a designation given it by the Kentucky State Legislature in the late 1980s. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance was where Renfro Valley's musical heritage began, in 1939, and influential country music luminaries like ], ], ] &{{nbs}}the Original ], Martha Carson, and many others have performed as regular members of the shows there over the years. The ] is today America's second oldest continually broadcast radio program of any kind. It is broadcast on local radio station ] and a syndicated network of nearly 200 other stations across the United States and Canada every week.		] is home to Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and is known as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital", a designation given it by the Kentucky State Legislature in the late 1980s. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance was where Renfro Valley's musical heritage began, in 1939, and influential country music luminaries like ], ], ] &{{spaces}}the Original ], Martha Carson and many others have performed as regular members of the shows there over the years. The ] is today America's second-oldest continually broadcast radio program of any kind. It is broadcast on local radio station ] and a syndicated network of nearly 200 other stations across the United States and Canada every week.
	] in ] provides background on the country music artists from Eastern Kentucky.]]		] in ] provides background on the country music artists from Eastern Kentucky.]]
	] star ] is a ] native, and ]rs ] are closely connected with ], where older brother Don was born. ], Country &{{nbs}}Western artist known for both his signature "]" guitar playing style, as well as his hit song "]", was also born in ]. Kentucky was also home to ] and ], the ] sisters credited with composing the tune to the ditty ] in 1893; ] (]), ] and ] of the ], and ] (]).		] star ] is a ] native, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ] are closely connected with ], where older brother Don was born. ], Country and{{spaces}}Western artist known for both his signature "]" guitar playing style, as well as his hit song "]", was also born in ]. Kentucky was also home to ] and ], the ] sisters credited with composing the tune to the ditty ] in 1893; ] (]), ] and ] of the ], and ] (]).
	However, its depth lies in its signature sound{{snd}}]. ], "The Father of Bluegrass", was born in the small ] town of ], while ], ], ], ], Sonny and ], and ] (who has been compared to Monroe) all hail from Kentucky. The ] is located in ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluegrasshall.org/general/home.php |title=Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum |access-date=November 30, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502142523/http://www.bluegrasshall.org/ |archive-date=May 2, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> while the annual ] is held in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festivalofthebluegrass.com/ |title=Festival of the Bluegrass Home Page |access-date=November 30, 2006}}</ref>		However, its depth lies in its signature sound{{snd}}]. ], "The Father of Bluegrass", was born in the small ] town of ], while ], ], ], ], Sonny and ], and ] (who has been compared to Monroe) all hail from Kentucky. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is located in ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluegrasshall.org/general/home.php |title=Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum |access-date=November 30, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502142523/http://www.bluegrasshall.org/ |archive-date=May 2, 2009 }}</ref> while the annual ] is held in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festivalofthebluegrass.com/ |title=Festival of the Bluegrass Home Page |access-date=November 30, 2006 |archive-date=December 7, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207231803/http://www.festivalofthebluegrass.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Kentucky is also home to famed ] musician and pioneer, ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Voce |first=Steve |title=Obituary: Lionel Hampton |work=] |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020902/ai_n12639955/pg_5 |date=September 2, 2002 |access-date=June 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730173629/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020902/ai_n12639955/pg_5 |archive-date=July 30, 2013 }}</ref> ] legend ] and ] singer ] also spent considerable time in Kentucky. The R&B group ] and Hip-Hop group ] were both formed in Kentucky, as were country acts ], ] and ], ], as well as ]-winning Christian groups ] (rock) and ] (metal). Heavy Rock band ] hails from rural Edmonton. Rock band ] with lead singer and guitarist ] originated out of Louisville, as well as bands ], ], ]. Rock bands ], ], and ] are also from Bowling Green. The bluegrass groups Driftwood and Kentucky Rain, along with ] of the pop band ] are also from Kentucky. ] guitarist ] is from ]. ] band ] also hails from Louisville. Noted singer and actress ] was a native of ], her legacy being celebrated at the annual music festival bearing her name. Noted songwriter and actor ] is from Louisville.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Shteamer|first1=Hank|date=September 27, 2018|title=Will Oldham: My Life in 15 Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/will-oldham-my-life-in-15-songs-723480/|access-date=June 2, 2020|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> More recently in the limelight are country artists ], ], ], and ].		Kentucky was also home to famed ] musician ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Voce |first=Steve |title=Obituary: Lionel Hampton |work=] |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020902/ai_n12639955/pg_5 |date=September 2, 2002 |access-date=June 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730173629/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020902/ai_n12639955/pg_5 |archive-date=July 30, 2013 }}</ref> ] legend ] and ] singer ] also spent considerable time in Kentucky. The R&B group ] and Hip-Hop group ] were both formed in Kentucky, as were country acts ], ], ], ], and ]-winning Christian groups ] and ]. ] hails from rural Edmonton. ] bands ], ], ], ], and ] formed in Louisville; indie rock bands ], ], and ] are from Bowling Green. The bluegrass groups Driftwood and Kentucky Rain, along with ] of the pop band ] are also from Kentucky. ] guitarist ] is from ]. Noted singer and actress ] was a native of ], her legacy being celebrated at the annual music festival bearing her name. Noted songwriter and actor ] is from Louisville.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Shteamer|first1=Hank|date=September 27, 2018|title=Will Oldham: My Life in 15 Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/will-oldham-my-life-in-15-songs-723480/|access-date=June 2, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622151217/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/will-oldham-my-life-in-15-songs-723480/|url-status=live}}</ref> More recently in the limelight are country artists ], ], ], and ].
	In eastern Kentucky, ] carries on the tradition of ancient ballads and reels developed in historical Appalachia.		In eastern Kentucky, ] carries on the tradition of ancient ballads and reels developed in historical Appalachia.
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	Author ] lived most of his life and wrote most of his books{{snd}}including '']'' (1948), ranked on '']''{{'s}} list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the century{{snd}}during his time as a monk at the ] near Bardstown, Kentucky. Author ] is also a native of the state. Since the later part of the 20th century, several writers from Kentucky have published widely read and critically acclaimed books, including: ] (] 1960–), ] (fl. 2001–), ] (fl. 1988–), poet ] (fl. 2001–), and ] (fl. 1988–).		Author ] lived most of his life and wrote most of his books{{snd}}including '']'' (1948), ranked on '']''{{'s}} list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the century{{snd}}during his time as a monk at the ] near Bardstown, Kentucky. Author ] is also a native of the state. Since the later part of the 20th century, several writers from Kentucky have published widely read and critically acclaimed books, including: ] (] 1960–), ] (fl. 2001–), ] (fl. 1988–), poet ] (fl. 2001–), and ] (fl. 1988–).
	Well-known playwrights from Kentucky include ] (works include '']'', 1983) and ] (works include '']'', 1995).		Well-known playwrights from Kentucky include ] (works include '']'', 1983), ] (works include '']'', 1995), and ] (works include '']'', 1992).
	]		]
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	{{Main|Cuisine of Kentucky}}		{{Main|Cuisine of Kentucky}}
	Kentucky's cuisine is generally similar to traditional southern cooking, although in some areas of the state it can blend elements of both the South and Midwest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://southernfood.about.com/od/southernregionalfood/Southern_Recipes_and_Regional_Specialties.htm |title=Southern Recipes – Southern Food and Recipes |publisher=Southernfood.about.com |date=June 17, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iicaculinary.com/iica-ye2-sem1.htm#ac303 |title=International Institute of Culinary Arts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106091226/http://www.iicaculinary.com/iica-curr.htm#ac303 |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> One original Kentucky dish is called the ], a dish normally layered in this order: toasted bread, turkey, bacon, tomatoes and topped with ]. It was developed at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown.html |title=Hot Brown Recipe |publisher=] |access-date=December 18, 2006| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070823065032/http://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown.html| archive-date = August 23, 2007}}</ref> The ] in Louisville is the birthplace of the ] cocktail. Also, western Kentucky is known for its own regional style of barbecue. Central Kentucky is the birthplace of ].		Kentucky's cuisine is generally similar to and is a part of traditional southern cooking, although in some areas of the state it can blend elements of both the South and Appalachia, mixing Appalachian with the native Southern cuisine of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iicaculinary.com/iica-ye2-sem1.htm#ac303 |title=International Institute of Culinary Arts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106091226/http://www.iicaculinary.com/iica-curr.htm#ac303 |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> One original Kentucky dish is called the ], a dish normally layered in this order: toasted bread, turkey, bacon, tomatoes and topped with ]. It was developed at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown.html |title=Hot Brown Recipe |publisher=] |access-date=December 18, 2006| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070823065032/http://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown.html| archive-date = August 23, 2007}}</ref> The ] in Louisville is the birthplace of the ] cocktail. Also, Western Kentucky is known for its own regional style of Southern barbecue. Central Kentucky is the birthplace of ].
	], a ], originated ] at his service station in ], though the first franchised ] was located in ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Henetz|first1=Patty|last2=Nii|first2=Jenifer K.|title=Colonel's landmark KFC is mashed|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057690/Colonels-landmark-KFC-is-mashed.html|work=]|access-date=January 14, 2017|date=April 21, 2004}}</ref>		], a ], originated ] at his service station in ], though the first franchised ] was located in ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Henetz|first1=Patty|last2=Nii|first2=Jenifer K.|title=Colonel's landmark KFC is mashed|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057690/Colonels-landmark-KFC-is-mashed.html|work=]|access-date=January 14, 2017|date=April 21, 2004|archive-date=January 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113154352/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057690/Colonels-landmark-KFC-is-mashed.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	===Sports===		===Sports===
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	{{Main|Sports in Kentucky}}		{{Main|Sports in Kentucky}}
	{{more citations needed section|date=August 2014}}		{{more citations needed section|date=August 2014}}
	] hosts the ].]]		] hosts the ].]]
	Kentucky is the home of several sports teams such as ]'s Triple-A ] and Class A ] and the Class A ]. They are also home to the ]'s ] and several teams in the ]. The ] and ] of the now-defunct ] had been interested in making a move up to the "major league" ], but nothing has come of those plans.		Kentucky is the home of sports teams such as ]'s Triple-A ] and High-A ]. It is home to the independent ]'s ] and the ]'s ]. The ] and ] of the now-defunct ] had been interested in making a move up to the "major league" ], but nothing has come of those plans.
	The ] lies across the ] from Cincinnati, which is home to a ] team, the ], and a ] team, the ]. It is not uncommon for fans to park in the city of ] and use the ], locally known as the "Purple People Bridge", to walk to these games in Cincinnati. Also, ] in ] was the location for the Bengals' summer training camp, until it was announced in 2012 that the Bengals would no longer use the facilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bengalscamp.com |title=About the camp |publisher=Georgetown College |access-date=December 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205035939/http://bengalscamp.com/ |archive-date=December 5, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>		The ] lies across the ] from Cincinnati, which is home to the ]'s ], ]'s ]. It is not uncommon for fans to park in the city of ] and use the ], locally known as the "Purple People Bridge", to walk to these games in Cincinnati. ] in ] was the location for the Bengals' summer training camp, until it was announced in 2012 that the Bengals would no longer use the facilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bengalscamp.com |title=About the camp |publisher=Georgetown College |access-date=December 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205035939/http://bengalscamp.com/ |archive-date=December 5, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	As in many states, especially those without major league professional sport teams, college athletics are prominent. This is especially true of the state's three ] ] (FBS) programs, including the ], the ], and the ]. The ], ], and ] are among the most tradition-rich college men's basketball teams in the United States, combining for 11 National championships and 24 NCAA Final Fours;{{citation needed|date=August 2014}} all three are high on the lists of total all-time wins, wins per season, and average wins per season.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}		As in many states, especially those without major league professional sports teams, college athletics are prominent. This is especially true of the state's three Division{{spaces}}I ] (FBS) programs, including the ], the ], and the ]. The ], ], and ] are among the most tradition-rich college men's basketball teams in the United States, combining for 11 National Championships and 24 NCAA Final Fours;{{citation needed|date=August 2014}} all three are high on the lists of total all-time wins, wins per season, and average wins per season.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}
			{{Multiple image
			| image1 = Rupp Arena February 2020.jpg
			| image2 = The-Yum-Center.jpg
			| caption1 =
			| footer = ] enjoys significant popularity in Kentucky, with the ]'s ] (right), and the ]'s ] (left) ranking 2nd and 3rd in capacity among college basketball arenas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sequin |first=Molly |date=January 14, 2021 |title=9 biggest college basketball arenas {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-01-14/these-are-9-largest-arenas-college-basketball |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref>
			}}
	The Kentucky Wildcats are particularly notable, leading all Division{{nbs}}I programs in all-time wins, win percentage, NCAA tournament appearances, and being second only to ] in NCAA championships.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The college basketball teams with the most national championships {{!}} NCAA.com|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-07-10/college-basketball-teams-most-national-championships|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=www.ncaa.com|language=en}}</ref> ] has also stepped onto the football scene in recent years, including winning the ] as well as the 2013 Sugar Bowl, and also producing ] ] winner ]. ], the 2002 ] (now ] (FCS)), completed its transition to Division{{nbs}}I FBS football in 2009.		The Kentucky Wildcats are particularly notable, leading all Division{{spaces}}I programs in all-time wins, win percentage, NCAA tournament appearances, and being second only to ] in NCAA championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=The college basketball teams with the most national championships {{!}} NCAA.com|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-07-10/college-basketball-teams-most-national-championships|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=www.ncaa.com|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808095842/https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-07-10/college-basketball-teams-most-national-championships|url-status=live}}</ref> ] has stepped onto the football scene, including winning the ] as well as the 2013 Sugar Bowl, and producing ] Heisman Trophy winner ]. ], the 2002 ] (now ] (FCS)), completed its transition to Division{{spaces}}I FBS football in 2009.
	The ] is a horse race held annually in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. The ] in Louisville has hosted several editions of the ], ] and ] since the 1990s.		The ] is a horse race held annually in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. The ] in Louisville has hosted several editions of the ], ] and ] since the 1990s.
	The ] ] has a race at the ] in ], which is within an hour driving distance from Cincinnati, Louisville and Lexington. The race is called the ]. The NASCAR ] and the ] also race there, and previously the ].		The ] held a race at the ] in ] from 2011 to 2020. The NASCAR ] and the ] raced there through 2020. The ] previously raced there as well.
	] in Louisville was the primary location for training and rehab for ] professional wrestlers from 2000 until 2008, when WWE moved its contracted talent to Florida Championship Wrestling. OVW later became the primary developmental territory for ] (TNA) from 2011 to 2013.		] in Louisville was the primary location for training and rehab for ] professional wrestlers from 2000 until 2008, when WWE moved its contracted talent to Florida Championship Wrestling. OVW later became the primary developmental territory for ] (TNA) from 2011 to 2013.
	In 2014 ], a professional soccer team in the league then known as USL Pro and now as the ], was announced. The team made its debut in 2015, playing home games at Louisville Slugger Field. In its first season, Louisville City was the official reserve side for ] while making its debut in ] at the same time. That arrangement ended in 2016, when Orlando City established a ] in the USL.		In 2014 ], a professional soccer team in the league then known as USL Pro and now as the ], was announced. The team made its debut in 2015, playing home games at Louisville Slugger Field. In its first season, Louisville City was the official reserve side for ], who made its debut in ] at the same time. That arrangement ended in 2016 when Orlando City established a ] in the USL.
	===State symbols===
	{{Main|List of Kentucky state insignia}}
	{{See also|Flag of Kentucky|Seal of Kentucky}}
	{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
	|-
	!width=25%|]
	!width=35%|Symbol
	!width=20%|]
	!width=15%|Year adopted<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |title=Kentucky's State Symbols |publisher=Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives |access-date=December 18, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213232500/http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYSymbols.htm |archive-date=December 13, 2006 }}</ref>
	|-
	| ]
	|]
	|''Cardinalis cardinalis''
	| 1926
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Limenitis archippus''
	| 1990
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 2006
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 2005
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Micropterus punctulatus''
	| 2005
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| undetermined
	| 1986
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Soldiago gigantea''
	| 1926
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Rubus allegheniensis''
	| 2004
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 1986
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Poa pratensis''
	| Traditional
	|-
	| ]
	| "United we stand, divided we fall"
	|
	| 1942/1792
	|-
	| Official state slogan
	| "United we stand, divided we fall"
	|
	| 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kentucky.gov/pages/unbridledspirit.aspx |title=Unbridled Spirit Information |publisher=State of Kentucky |access-date=December 18, 2006 |date=November 20, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601090945/http://kentucky.gov/Pages/unbridledspirit.aspx |archive-date=June 1, 2008 }}</ref>
	|-
	| Official state Latin motto
	| ''"Deo gratiam habeamus"'' ("Let us be grateful to God")
	|
	| 2002
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Equus caballus''
	| 1996
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 1998
	|-
	| Official state outdoor musical
	| ''The ] Story''
	|
	| 2002
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 2001
	|-
	| ]
	| "The bluegrass state"
	|
	| Traditional
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	|
	| 2000
	|-
	| ]
	| Crider soil series
	|
	| 1990
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Liriodendron tulipifera''
	| 1994
	|-
	| ]
	| ]
	| ''Sciurus carolinensis''
	| 1968
	|-
	| ]
	| "]" (revised version)
	|
	| 1928/1986
	|-
	| Official state silverware pattern
	| Old Kentucky blue grass: the Georgetown pattern
	|
	| 1996
	|-
	| Official state music
	| ]
	|
	| 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/07RS/HB71/bill.doc |format=DOC |title=HB71: An act designating bluegrass music as the official state music of Kentucky |publisher=Legislative Research Commission |access-date=June 26, 2007}}</ref>
	|-
	| Official state automobile
	| ]
	|
	| 2010
	|}
	===Official state places and events===
	{{col-begin}}
	{{col-2}}
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ] Honeyfest<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/002-00/099.PDF |title=KRS 2.099 – State Honey Festival |publisher=] |access-date=December 18, 2006}}</ref>
	* ], (])
	{{col-2}}
	* ] Tug-of-War Championship
	* ] Capital of Kentucky: ]
	* Official ] of Kentucky: Switzer Covered Bridge (])
	* Official ] of Kentucky: ] (located in the ] in ])
	* ], ]
	* Official State outdoor musical: '']'' at ], Bardstown
	{{col-end}}
	Unless otherwise specified, all state symbol information is taken from Kentucky State Symbols.
	===Kentucky colonel===		===Kentucky colonel===
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	{{Main|Kentucky colonel}}		{{Main|Kentucky colonel}}
	The distinction of being named a '''Kentucky colonel''' is the highest ] bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the ] and the ] to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. The sitting ] bestows the honor of a colonel's ], by issuance of ]. Kentucky colonels are commissioned for life and act officially as the state's ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sagamore-commodore-colonel-ceremonial-title-honorary|title=You Can't Be Knighted in the U.S., But You Can Be Named a Sagamore of the Wabash|last=Grundhauser|first=Eric|date=November 8, 2017|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en|access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>		The distinction of being named a '''Kentucky colonel''' is the highest ] bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the ] and the ] to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. The sitting ] bestows the honor of a colonel's ], by issuance of ]. Kentucky colonels are commissioned for life and act officially as the state's ]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sagamore-commodore-colonel-ceremonial-title-honorary|title=You Can't Be Knighted in the U.S., But You Can Be Named a Sagamore of the Wabash|last=Grundhauser|first=Eric|date=November 8, 2017|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627185733/https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sagamore-commodore-colonel-ceremonial-title-honorary|url-status=live}}</ref>
	==See also==		==See also==
			{{Portal|Kentucky}}
	{{Portal|United States}}
	* ]		* ]
	* ]		* ]
			* ], 3 ships
	==Notes==		==Notes==
			{{notelist|30em}}
	{{NoteFoot}}
	==References==		==References==
			{{reflist|30em}}
	{{Reflist}}
	==Bibliography==		==Bibliography==
	===Politics===		===Politics===
	*		* Miller, Penny M. ''Kentucky Politics & Government: Do We Stand United?'' (1994)
	* Jewell, Malcolm E. and Everett W. Cunningham, ''Kentucky Politics'' (1968)		* Jewell, Malcolm E. and Everett W. Cunningham, ''Kentucky Politics'' (1968).
	===History===		===History===
	====Surveys and reference====		====Surveys and reference====
Line 1,350:		Line 1,132:
	* Wallis, Frederick A. and Hambleton Tapp. ''A Sesqui-Centennial History of Kentucky'' 4 vols. (1945).		* Wallis, Frederick A. and Hambleton Tapp. ''A Sesqui-Centennial History of Kentucky'' 4 vols. (1945).
	* Ward, William S., ''A Literary History of Kentucky'' (1988) ({{ISBN|0-87049-578-X}}).		* Ward, William S., ''A Literary History of Kentucky'' (1988) ({{ISBN|0-87049-578-X}}).
	* , classic guide.		* WPA, ''Kentucky: A Guide to the Bluegrass State '' (1939); classic guide from the Federal Writers Project; covers main themes and every town
	* {{cite book|title=Two Hundred Years at the Fall of the Ohio: A History of Louisville and Jefferson County|last=Yater|first=George H.|year=1987|publisher=]|edition=2nd|isbn = 978-0-9601072-3-0}}		* {{cite book|title=Two Hundred Years at the Fall of the Ohio: A History of Louisville and Jefferson County|last=Yater|first=George H.|year=1987|publisher=]|edition=2nd|isbn = 978-0-9601072-3-0}}
	====Specialized scholarly studies====		====Specialized scholarly studies====
	*		* Bakeless, John. ''Daniel Boone, Master of the Wilderness'' (1989)
	* Blakey, George T. ''Hard Times and New Deal in Kentucky, 1929–1939'' (1986)		* Blakey, George T. ''Hard Times and New Deal in Kentucky, 1929–1939'' (1986)
	* Coulter, E. Merton. ''The Civil War and Readjustment in Kentucky'' (1926)		* Coulter, E. Merton. ''The Civil War and Readjustment in Kentucky'' (1926)
Line 1,361:		Line 1,143:
	* Ellis, William E. ''The Kentucky River'' (2000).		* Ellis, William E. ''The Kentucky River'' (2000).
	* Faragher, John Mack. ''Daniel Boone'' (1993)		* Faragher, John Mack. ''Daniel Boone'' (1993)
	*		* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803021432/https://www.questia.com/read/6471305/politics-in-the-border-states-a-study-of-the-patterns |date=August 3, 2020 }}
	* Harlow, Luke E. ''Religion, Race, and the Making of Confederate Kentucky, 1830–1880.'' New York: Cambridge University Press, 2014.		* Harlow, Luke E. ''Religion, Race, and the Making of Confederate Kentucky, 1830–1880.'' New York: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
	* Ireland, Robert M. ''The County in Kentucky History'' (1976)		* Ireland, Robert M. ''The County in Kentucky History'' (1976)
Line 1,369:		Line 1,151:
	* Pearce, John Ed. ''Divide and Dissent: Kentucky Politics, 1930–1963'' (1987)		* Pearce, John Ed. ''Divide and Dissent: Kentucky Politics, 1930–1963'' (1987)
	* Remini, Robert V. ''Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union'' (1991).		* Remini, Robert V. ''Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union'' (1991).
	*		* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802211353/https://www.questia.com/read/100662336/liberal-kentucky-1780-1828 |date=August 2, 2020 }}
	* Tapp, Hambleton and ]. ''Kentucky Decades of Discord, 1865–1900'' (1977)		* Tapp, Hambleton and ]. ''Kentucky Decades of Discord, 1865–1900'' (1977)
	*		* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925151832/https://www.questia.com/read/61648056/lincoln-and-the-bluegrass-slavery-and-civil-war-in |date=September 25, 2020 }}
	* tobacco wars		* tobacco wars
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This article is about the U.S. state. For the river, see Kentucky River. For other uses, see Kentucky (disambiguation).

State in the United States

Kentucky
State
Commonwealth of Kentucky
FlagSeal
Nickname: The Bluegrass State
Motto(s): United we stand, divided we fall Deo gratiam habeamus (Let us be grateful to God)
Anthem: My Old Kentucky Home
Map of the United States with Kentucky highlighted
Country	United States
Before statehood	Part of Virginia (District of Kentucky)
Admitted to the Union	June 1, 1792 (15th)
Capital	Frankfort
Largest city	Louisville
Largest county or equivalent	Jefferson
Largest metro and urban areas	Louisville
Government
• Governor	Andy Beshear (D)
• Lieutenant governor	Jacqueline Coleman (D)
Legislature	General Assembly
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Judiciary	Kentucky Supreme Court
U.S. senators	Mitch McConnell (R) Rand Paul (R)
U.S. House delegation	5 Republicans 1 Democrat (list)
Area
• Total	40,408 sq mi (104,656 km)
• Land	39,486 sq mi (102,269 km)
• Water	921 sq mi (2,387 km)  2.2%
• Rank	37th
Dimensions
• Length	397 mi (640 km)
• Width	187 mi (302 km)
Elevation	750 ft (230 m)
Highest elevation	4,145 ft (1,265 m)
Lowest elevation	250 ft (78 m)
Population
• Total	4,505,836
• Rank	26th
• Density	114/sq mi (44/km)
• Rank	24th
• Median household income	$52,295
• Income rank	44th
Demonym	Kentuckian
Language
• Official language	English
Time zones
eastern half	UTC−05:00 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (EDT)
western half	UTC−06:00 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−05:00 (CDT)
USPS abbreviation	KY
ISO 3166 code	US-KY
Traditional abbreviation	Ky
Latitude	36° 30′ N to 39° 09′ N
Longitude	81° 58′ W to 89° 34′ W
Website	kentucky.gov

State symbols of Kentucky

List of state symbols
Flag of Kentucky
Seal of Kentucky
Slogan	Kentucky Unbridled Spirit
Living insignia
Bird	Cardinal
Butterfly	Viceroy butterfly
Fish	Kentucky spotted bass
Flower	Goldenrod
Horse breed	Thoroughbred
Insect	Western honeybee
Tree	Tulip poplar
Wildlife animal	Gray squirrel
Inanimate insignia
Beverage	Milk Ale-8-One
Dance	Clogging
Food	Blackberry
Fossil	Brachiopod
Gemstone	Kentucky agate
Mineral	Calcite
Rock	Coal
Soil	Crider Soil Series
Other	Chevrolet Corvette (state sports car)
State route marker
State quarter
Released in 2001
Lists of United States state symbols

Kentucky (US: /kənˈtʌki/ , UK: /kɛn-/), officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west. Its northern border is defined by the Ohio River. Its capital is Frankfort and its most populous city is Louisville. As of 2020, the state's population was approximately 4.5 million.

Previously part of Virginia, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as the fifteenth state on June 1, 1792. It is known as the "Bluegrass State" in reference to Kentucky bluegrass, a species of grass introduced by European settlers which has long supported the state's thoroughbred horse industry.

The fertile soil in the central and western parts of the state led to the development of large tobacco plantations similar to those in Virginia and North Carolina, which utilized enslaved labor prior to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. Kentucky ranks fifth nationally in goat farming, eighth in beef cattle production, and fourteenth in corn production. While Kentucky has been a long-standing center for the tobacco industry, its economy has diversified into non-agricultural sectors including auto manufacturing, energy production, and medicine. Kentucky ranks fourth among US states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled. It is one of several states considered part of the Upland South.

The state is home to the world's longest known cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park, the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous United States, and the nation's two largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi River. Cultural aspects of Kentucky include horse racing, bourbon, moonshine, coal mining, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, automobile manufacturing, tobacco, Southern cuisine, barbecue, bluegrass music, college basketball, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Etymology

Prior to 1769, Botetourt County and successor counties in the Colony of Virginia, whose geographical extent was south of the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers beyond the Appalachian Mountains, became known to European Americans as Kentucky (or Kentucke) country. It was named for the Kentucky River, a tributary of the Ohio.

The precise etymology of the name is uncertain. One theory sees the word based on an Iroquoian name meaning "(on) the meadow" or "(on) the prairie" (cf. Mohawk kenhtà:ke, Seneca gëdá'geh (phonemic /kɛ̃taʔkɛh/), "at the field"). Another theory suggests a derivation from the term Kenta Aki, which could have come from an Algonquian language, in particular from Shawnee. Folk etymology translates this as "Land of Our Fathers". The closest approximation in another Algonquian language, Ojibwe, translates as "Land of Our In-Laws", thus making a fairer English translation "The Land of Those Who Became Our Fathers". In any case, the word aki means "land" in most Algonquian languages.

History

Main article: History of Kentucky

Native American settlement

The first archaeological evidence of human occupation of Kentucky is approximately 9500BCE, and it was Clovis culture, primitive hunter-gatherers with stone tools. Around 1800 BCE, a gradual transition began from a hunter-gatherer economy to agriculturalism. Around 900 CE, a Mississippian culture took root in western and central Kentucky and a Fort Ancient culture appeared in eastern Kentucky. While the two had many similarities, the distinctive ceremonial earthwork mounds constructed in the former's centers were not part of the culture of the latter. Fort Ancient settlements depended largely on corn, beans, and squash, and practiced a system of agriculture that prevented ecological degradation by rotating crops, burning sections of forest to create ideal habitat for wild game, relocating villages every 10–30 years, and continually shifting the location of fields to maintain plots of land in various stages of ecological succession.

In about the 10th century, the Kentucky native people's variety of corn became highly productive, supplanting the Eastern Agricultural Complex and replacing it with maize-based agriculture in the Mississippian era. As of the 16th century, what became Kentucky was home to tribes from diverse linguistic groups. The Kispoko, an Algonquian-speaking tribe, controlled much of the interior of the state.

French explorers in the 17th century documented numerous tribes living in Kentucky until the Beaver Wars in the 1670s; however, by the time that European colonial explorers and settlers began entering Kentucky in greater numbers in the mid-18th century, there were no major Native American settlements in the region.

The Chickasaw had territory up to the confluence of Mississippi and Ohio rivers. During a period known as the Beaver Wars (1640–1680), another Algonquian tribe called the Maumee, or Mascouten was chased out of southern Michigan. The vast majority of them moved to Kentucky, pushing the Kispoko east and war broke out with the Tutelo of North Carolina and Virginia that pushed them further north and east. The Maumee were closely related to the Miami from Indiana. Later, the Kispoko merged with the Shawnee, who migrated from the east and the Ohio River valley.

A persistent myth, perpetuated in many popular and scholarly works, alleges that Native Americans never lived permanently in Kentucky, but rather used it only as a "hunting ground." According to early Kentucky historians, early European settlers encountered extensive evidence of permanent, advanced settlements, including numerous burial mounds, copper and stone artifacts, and what early historians describe as "fortifications:" large sites consisting of extensive walls enclosing the flat tops of bluffs, cliffs or mountains, constructed from stone that was quarried in the surrounding valleys and brought up to the summit. These sites and artifacts were sometimes explained as being the remnants of a "lost" white race, or some variously identified ethnic group predating and distinct from the Native Americans. More recent scholarship identifies the mound builders as the Mississippian and Fort Ancient peoples, which were distinct from the indigenous cultures encountered by settlers, although sharing the same origin in Paleoindian groups that inhabited the area for at least 12,000 years.

Beginning in the seventeenth century, before indigenous groups in Kentucky made direct contact with Europeans, articles of European origin such as glass beads entered the region via trade routes, and the appearance of mass graves suggests that European diseases were also introduced. By the eighteenth century, epidemics of disease had destabilized and changed the indigenous groups that inhabited Kentucky, causing some to reassemble into multi-tribal towns, and others to disperse further from the sphere of European influence. Around the end of the French and Indian War, as European settlers began to claim parts of the Bluegrass State, Native Americans abandoned their larger, more permanent villages south of the Ohio River and continued to maintain only small or transient settlements. This upheaval likely led the settlers to believe that Kentucky was a hunting ground contested by multiple tribes but not permanently inhabited, when in reality it had only recently been abandoned due to social and political turmoil.

Early explorations: the discovery of Kentucky

See also: Kentucke's Frontiers

European explorers arrived in Kentucky possibly as early as 1671. While French explorers surely spied Kentucky during expeditions on the Mississippi, there is no evidence French or Spanish explorers set foot in the lands south of the Ohio, notwithstanding speculations about Hernando de Soto and Robert de la Salle. The terrain in those days was not surveyed, so there is some uncertainty whether and to what extent the early English explorers out of Virginia set foot on the land. Confounding the issue is that the region south of the Ohio/Allegheny later known as Kentucky country was larger than the state of Kentucky today, encompassing most of today's West Virginia and (vaguely) part of southwestern Pennsylvania. Notable expeditions were Batts and Fallam 1671, Needham and Arthur 1673. Thomas Walker and surveyor Christopher Gist surveyed the area now known as Kentucky in 1750 and 1751.

European settlement: The Treaty of Fort Stanwix 1768

Further information: Transylvania Colony, Lord Dunmore's War, and Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1768) See also: Indian Reserve (1763)

As more settlers entered the area, warfare broke out with the Native Americans over their traditional hunting grounds.

June 16, 1774, James Harrod founded Harrod's Town (modern Harrodsburg). The settlement was abandoned during the conflict period of Dunmore's War, and resettled in March 1775, becoming the first permanent European settlement in Kentucky. It was followed within months by Boone's Station, Logan's Fort and Lexington before Kentucky was organized.

This period was the time of Daniel Boone's legendary expeditions starting in 1767 through the Cumberland Gap and down the Kentucky River to reach the bluegrass heartland of Kentucky.

While the Cherokee did not settle in Kentucky, they hunted there. They relinquished their hunting rights there in an extra-legal private contract with speculator Richard Henderson called Treaty of Sycamore Shoals in 1775.

Kentucky County and the Cherokee-American wars

Further information: Kentucky County, Virginia; Cherokee-American wars; Fort Nelson (Kentucky); and History of Louisville, Kentucky

On December 31, 1776, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly, the portion of Fincastle County west of the Big Sandy River (including today's Tug Fork tributary) terminating at the North Carolina border (today Tennessee) extending to the Mississippi River, previously most of what was known as Kentucky (or Kentucke) country, was split off into its own county of Kentucky. Harrod's Town (Oldtown as it was known at the time) was named the county seat.

A 1790 U.S. government report states that 1,500 Kentucky settlers had been killed by Native Americans since the end of the Revolutionary War.

Statehood

The county was subdivided into Jefferson, Lincoln and Fayette Counties in 1780, but continued to be administered as the District of Kentucky even as new counties were split off.

On several occasions the region's residents petitioned the General Assembly and the Confederation Congress for separation from Virginia and statehood. Ten constitutional conventions were held in Danville between 1784 and 1792. One petition, which had Virginia's assent, came before the Confederation Congress in early July 1788. Unfortunately, its consideration came up a day after word of New Hampshire's all-important ninth ratification of the proposed Constitution, thus establishing it as the new framework of governance for the United States. In light of this development, Congress thought that it would be "unadvisable" to admit Kentucky into the Union, as it could do so "under the Articles of Confederation" only, but not "under the Constitution", and so declined to take action.

On December 18, 1789, Virginia again gave its consent to Kentucky statehood. The United States Congress gave its approval on February 4, 1791. (This occurred two weeks before Congress approved Vermont's petition for statehood.) Kentucky officially became the fifteenth state in the Union on June 1, 1792. Isaac Shelby, a military veteran from Virginia, was elected its first Governor.

Post-colonial plantation economy

See also: History of slavery in Kentucky

The central Bluegrass region and the western portion of the state were the areas with the most slave owners. Planters cultivated tobacco and hemp on plantations with the use of slave labor, and were noted for their quality livestock. During the 19th century, Kentucky slaveholders began to sell unneeded slaves to the Deep South, with Louisville becoming a major slave market and departure port for slaves being transported down the Ohio River.

The Civil War

Main articles: Border states (American Civil War) and Kentucky in the American Civil War

Kentucky was a heavily divided slave state during the American Civil War. Though the state had dueling Union and Confederate state governments, Kentucky was never an official component of the Confederacy. Kentucky was one of the Southern border states during the war, and it remained neutral within the Union. Despite this, representatives from 68 of 110 counties met at Russellville calling themselves the "Convention of the People of Kentucky" and passed an Ordinance of Secession on November 20, 1861. They established a Confederate government of Kentucky with its capital in Bowling Green, and Kentucky was officially admitted into the Confederacy on December 10, 1861, as the 13th Confederate state with full recognition in Richmond. The Confederate shadow government was never popularly elected statewide, though 116 delegates were sent representing 68 Kentucky counties which at the time made up a little over half the territory of the Commonwealth to the Russellville Convention in 1861, and were occupied and governed by the Confederacy at some point in the duration of the war, and Kentucky had full representation within the Confederate Government. Although Confederate forces briefly controlled Frankfort, they were expelled by Union forces before a Confederate government could be installed in the state capital. After the expulsion of Confederate forces after the Battle of Perryville, this government operated in-exile. Though it existed throughout the war, Kentucky's provisional government only had governing authority in areas of Kentucky under direct Confederate control and had very little effect on the events in the Commonwealth or in the war once they were driven out of the state.

Kentucky remained officially "neutral" throughout the war due to the Southern Unionists sympathies of a majority of the Commonwealth's citizens who were split between the struggle of Kentucky's sister Southern States fully in the Confederate States of America and a continued loyalty to the Unionist cause that was prevalent in other areas of the South such as in East Tennessee, West Virginia, Western North Carolina, and others. Despite this, some 21st-century Kentuckians observe Confederate Memorial Day on Confederate leader Jefferson Davis' birthday, June 3, and participate in Confederate battle re-enactments. Both Davis and U.S. president Abraham Lincoln were born in Kentucky. John C. Breckinridge, the 14th and youngest-ever Vice President was born in Lexington, Kentucky at Cabell's Dale Farm. Breckenridge was expelled from the U. S. Senate for his support of the Confederacy.

Henry W. Grady, editor of the Atlanta Constitution, coined the term New South in 1874, urging transformation from an agrarian economy to a modern industrial one.

Reconstruction and the New South

See also: Hatfield-McCoy feud

On January 30, 1900, Governor William Goebel, flanked by two bodyguards, was mortally wounded by an assassin while walking to the State Capitol in downtown Frankfort. Goebel was contesting the Kentucky gubernatorial election of 1899, which William S. Taylor was initially believed to have won. For several months, J. C. W. Beckham, Goebel's running mate, and Taylor fought over who was the legal governor until the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in May in favor of Beckham. After fleeing to Indiana, Taylor was indicted as a co-conspirator in Goebel's assassination. Goebel is the only governor of a U.S. state to have been assassinated while in office.

The Black Patch Tobacco Wars, a vigilante action, occurred in Western Kentucky in the early 20th century. As a result of the tobacco industry monopoly, tobacco farmers in the area were forced to sell their crops at prices that were too low. Many local farmers and activists united in a refusal to sell their crops to the major tobacco companies.

An Association meeting occurred in downtown Guthrie, where a vigilante wing of "Night Riders", formed. The riders terrorized farmers who sold their tobacco at the low prices demanded by the tobacco corporations. They burned several tobacco warehouses throughout the area, stretching as far west as Hopkinsville to Princeton. In the later period of their operation, they were known to physically assault farmers who broke the boycott. Governor Augustus E. Willson declared martial law and deployed the Kentucky National Guard to end the wars.

Geography

See also: Coal mining in Kentucky

Kentucky is situated in the Upland South. A significant portion of eastern Kentucky is part of Appalachia.

Kentucky borders seven states, from the Midwest and the Southeast. West Virginia lies to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, Missouri to the west, Illinois to the northwest, and Indiana and Ohio to the north. Only Missouri and Tennessee, both of which border eight states, touch more.

Kentucky's northern border is formed by the north shore of the Ohio River and its western border by the Mississippi River; however, the official border is based on the courses of the rivers as they existed when Kentucky became a state in 1792. For instance, northbound travelers on U.S. 41 from Henderson, after crossing the Ohio River, will be in Kentucky for about two miles (3 km). Ellis Park, a thoroughbred racetrack, is located in this small piece of Kentucky. Waterworks Road is part of the only land border between Indiana and Kentucky.

Kentucky has a non-contiguous part known as Kentucky Bend, at the far west corner of the state. It exists as an exclave surrounded completely by Missouri and Tennessee, and is included in the boundaries of Fulton County. Road access to this small part of Kentucky on the Mississippi River (populated by 18 people as of 2010) requires traveling through Tennessee.

The epicenter of the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes was near this area, causing the Mississippi River to flow backwards in some places. Though the series of quakes changed the area geologically and affected the small number of inhabitants of the area at the time, the Kentucky Bend is the result of a surveying error, not the New Madrid earthquake.

Regions

Kentucky can be divided into five primary regions: the Cumberland Plateau in the east, which is wholly underlain by coal and constitutes the Eastern Coal Field; the north-central Bluegrass region, where the major cities and the capital are located; the south-central and western Pennyroyal Plateau (a Mississippian-age plateau that is divided into eastern, central and western sub-regions, the latter known as the Pennyrile); the Western Coal Field; and the far-western Jackson Purchase, the northernmost extension of the Mississippian Embayment, west and south of the Tennessee River.

The Bluegrass region is commonly divided into two regions, the Inner Bluegrass encircling 90 miles (140 km) around Lexington, and the Outer Bluegrass that contains most of the northern portion of the state, above the Knobs. Much of the outer Bluegrass is in the Eden Shale Hills sub-region, made up of short, steep, and very narrow hills. The alluvial plain of the Ohio River is another geological region, as is the area south and east of Pine Mountain, part of the Ridge and Valley Belt of Appalachia.

Climate

Most of Kentucky has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), with small Appalachian highland areas of the southeast of the state having an oceanic climate (Cfb). Temperatures in Kentucky usually range from daytime summer highs of 87 °F (31 °C) to the winter low of 23 °F (−5 °C). The average precipitation is 46 inches (1,200 mm) a year. Kentucky has four distinct seasons, with substantial variations in the severity of summer and winter. The state's highest recorded temperature was 114 °F (46 °C) in Greensburg on July 28, 1930, while its lowest recorded temperature was −37 °F (−38 °C) in Shelbyville on January 19, 1994. The state seldom experiences the extreme cold of far northern states or the high heat of the states in the Deep South; temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 100 degrees. Rain and snowfall averages about 45 inches per year.

The climate varies markedly within the state. The northern parts tend to be about five degrees cooler than those in the western parts of the state. Somerset in the south-central part receives ten more inches of rain per year than Covington to the north. Average temperatures for the entire state range from the low 30s in January to the high 80s in mid-July. The annual average temperature varies from 55 to 60 °F (13 to 16 °C): of 55 °F (13 °C) in the far north as an average annual temperature and of 60 °F (16 °C) in the extreme southwest.

In general, Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Mean maximum temperatures in July vary from 83 to 90 °F (28 to 32 °C); the mean minimum July temperatures are 61 to 69 °F (16 to 21 °C). In January the mean maximum temperatures range from 36 to 44 °F (2 to 7 °C); the mean minimum temperatures range from 19 to 26 °F (−7 to −3 °C). Temperature means vary with northern and far-eastern mountain regions averaging five degrees cooler year-round, compared to the relatively warmer areas of the southern and western regions of the state. Precipitation varies north to south with the north averaging of 38 to 40 inches (970 to 1,020 mm), and the south averaging of 50 inches (1,300 mm). Days per year below the freezing point vary from about sixty days in the southwest to more than a hundred days in the far-north and far-east.

Monthly average high and low temperatures for various Kentucky cities ( °F)
City	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lexington	40.9/24.8	45.5/27.9	55.3/35.4	65.7/44.7	74.3/54.2	82.8/62.7	86.1/66.5	85.6/65.2	78.8/57.6	67.5/46.6	55.4/37.2	43.9/28
Louisville	43/26.8	47.8/29.9	57.9/37.8	68.8/47.3	77.1/57	85.3/66	88.7/69.9	88.3/68.5	81.5/60.5	70.1/48.9	57.9/39.5	45.8/30
Owensboro	41.2/23.2	46.6/26.8	58.3/36.7	69.3/45.9	78.1/54.5	86.4/62.8	89.2/66.6	88.2/64.4	82.4/58.3	71.6/45.7	58.1/37.4	45.9/28.2
Paducah	43.4/25.8	48.9/29.5	59/37.7	69.4/46.6	78/56.3	86.2/64.9	89.3/68.5	89/66.1	82.1/57.8	71/46.7	58.4/37.9	46.3/28.6
Pikeville	44/23	50/25	60/32	69/39	77/49	84/58	87/63	86/62	80/56	71/42	60/33	49/26
Ashland	42/19	47/21	57/29	68/37	77/47	84/56	88/61	87/59	80/52	69/40	57/31	46/23
Bowling Green	45/26.4	50/29.6	59.8/37	69.7/45.6	77.8/55	86.1/63.9	89.4/67.9	88.9/66.1	82.1/58	71.2/46.3	59.4/37.5	47.9/29.2

Natural disasters

Deadliest weather events in Kentucky history	Date	Death Toll	Affected Regions
March 1890 middle Mississippi Valley tornado outbreak	March 27, 1890	200+	Louisville, W KY
Gradyville flood	June 7, 1907	20	Gradyville
May–June 1917 tornado outbreak sequence	May 27, 1917	66	Fulton area
Early-May 1933 tornado outbreak sequence	May 9, 1933, Tornado	38	South Central KY
Ohio River flood of 1937	Early 1937	unknown	Statewide
April 3, 1974, tornado outbreak	April 3, 1974	72	Statewide
March 1, 1997, Flooding	Early March 1997	18	Statewide
Tornado outbreak sequence of May 2004	May 30, 2004	0	Jefferson County, KY
December 21–24, 2004 North American winter storm	December 21–24, 2004	unknown	Statewide
Widespread Flash Flooding	September 22–23, 2006	6	Statewide
January 2009 North American ice storm	January 26–28, 2009	35	Statewide
2009 Kentuckiana Flash Flood	August 4, 2009	36	Kentuckiana
Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012	March 2, 2012	22	Statewide
Tornado outbreak of December 10–11, 2021	December 10–11, 2021	74	Kentucky, 5 other states
July–August 2022 United States floods	July 24 – August 2, 2022	37	Kentucky, 5 other states

Lakes and rivers

See also: List of lakes in Kentucky, List of rivers of Kentucky, and List of dams and reservoirs in Kentucky

Kentucky has the second-most navigable miles of water among U.S. states, second to Alaska.

Kentucky is the only state to have a continuous border of rivers running along three of its sides – the Mississippi River to the west, the Ohio River to the north, and the Big Sandy River and Tug Fork to the east. Its major internal rivers include the Kentucky River, Tennessee River, Cumberland River, Green River, and Licking River.

Though it has only three major natural lakes, Kentucky is home to many artificial lakes. It has the largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi in both water volume (Lake Cumberland) and surface area (Kentucky Lake). Kentucky Lake's 2,064 miles (3,322 km) of shoreline, 160,300 acres (64,900 hectares) of water surface, and 4,008,000 acre-feet (4.9 billion cubic meters) of flood storage are the most of any lake in the Tennessee Valley Authority system.

Kentucky's 90,000 miles (140,000 km) of streams provides one of the most expansive and complex stream systems in the nation.

Natural environment and conservation

Kentucky hosts multiple habitats with a high number of endemic species, including some of the most extensive cave systems in the world. 102 known species are endemic to the state. The Bluegrass region, which is believed to have once been a lush open woodland environment similar to oak savanna with abundant thickets of river cane, a species of bamboo, was once described by E. Lucy Braun as having the most "anomalous" plant life of the whole Eastern United States. Kentucky's natural environment has suffered greatly from destructive human activities that began after European colonization, particularly the conversion of natural habitat to farmland and coal mining.

Kentucky has an expansive park system, which includes one national park, two National Recreation Areas, two National Historic Parks, two national forests, two National Wildlife Refuges, 45 state parks, 37,896 acres (153 km) of state forest, and 82 wildlife management areas.

Kentucky has been part of two of the most successful wildlife reintroduction projects in United States history. In the winter of 1997, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources began to re-stock elk in the state's eastern counties, which had been extirpated from the area for over 150 years. As of 2009, the herd had reached the project goal of 10,000 animals, making it the largest herd east of the Mississippi River.

The state stocked wild turkeys in the 1950s, after reportedly having fewer than 900. Once nearly extinct, wild turkeys thrive throughout Kentucky. Hunters reported a record 29,006 birds taken during the 23-day season in spring 2009.

In 1991 the Land Between the Lakes partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Red Wolf Recovery Program, a captive breeding program.

Natural attractions

• Cumberland Gap, chief passageway through the Appalachian Mountains in early American history.
• Cumberland Falls, the only place in the Western Hemisphere where a "moonbow" may be regularly seen, due to the spray of the falls.
• Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring the world's longest known cave system.
• Red River Gorge Geological Area, part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
• Land Between the Lakes, a National Recreation Area managed by the United States Forest Service.
• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Whitley City.
• Black Mountain, state's highest point of elevation. Runs along the south ridge of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, Kentucky. The highest point located in Harlan County.
• Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve, 2,639-acre (11 km) state nature preserve on southern slope of Pine Mountain in Letcher County. Includes one of the largest concentrations of rare and endangered species in the state, as well as a 60-foot (18 m) waterfall and a Kentucky Wild River.
• Jefferson Memorial Forest, located in the southern fringes of Louisville in the Knobs region, the largest municipally run forest in the United States.
• Lake Cumberland, 1,255 miles (2,020 km) of shoreline located in South Central Kentucky.
• Natural Bridge, located in Slade, Kentucky Powell County.
• Breaks Interstate Park, located in southeastern Pike County, Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia. The Breaks is commonly known as the "Grand Canyon of the South".
• Blanton Forest, located in Harlan County, the state's largest old-growth forest and one of only 13 remaining large tracts of old-growth forest in the eastern USA.

Administrative divisions

Counties

See also: List of counties in Kentucky and Fiscal Court

Kentucky is subdivided into 120 counties, the largest being Pike County at 787.6 square miles (2,040 km), and the most populous being Jefferson County (which coincides with the Louisville Metro governmental area) with 772,144 residents as of 2023.

County government, under the Kentucky Constitution of 1891, is vested in the County Judge/Executive, (formerly called the County Judge) who serves as the executive head of the county, and a legislature called a Fiscal Court. Despite the unusual name, the Fiscal Court no longer has judicial functions.

Consolidated city-county governments

Kentucky's two most populous counties, Jefferson and Fayette, have their governments consolidated with the governments of their largest cities. Louisville-Jefferson County Government (Louisville Metro) and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (Lexington Metro) are unique in that their city councils and county Fiscal Court structures have been merged into a single entity with a single chief executive, the Metro Mayor and Urban County Mayor, respectively. Although the counties still exist as subdivisions of the state, in reference the names Louisville and Lexington are used to refer to the entire area coextensive with the former cities and counties.

Major cities

See also: List of cities in Kentucky

Largest cities or towns in Kentucky Source:
	Rank	Name	County	Pop.	Rank	Name	County	Pop.
Louisville Lexington	1	Louisville	Jefferson	633,045	11	Nicholasville	Jessamine	31,093	Bowling Green Owensboro
	2	Lexington	Fayette	322,570	12	Independence	Kenton	28,676
	3	Bowling Green	Warren	72,294	13	Frankfort	Franklin	28,602
	4	Owensboro	Daviess	60,183	14	Jeffersontown	Jefferson	28,474
	5	Covington	Kenton	40,961	15	Henderson	Henderson	27,981
	6	Georgetown	Scott	37,086	16	Paducah	McCracken	27,137
	7	Richmond	Madison	34,585	17	Radcliff	Hardin	23,042
	8	Florence	Boone	31,946	18	Ashland	Boyd	21,625
	9	Elizabethtown	Hardin	31,394	19	Erlanger	Kenton	19,611
	10	Hopkinsville	Christian	31,180	20	Madisonville	Hopkins	19,542

The Metro Louisville government area has a 2018 population of 1,298,990. Under United States Census Bureau methodology, the population of Louisville was 623,867. The latter figure is the population of the so-called "balance" – the parts of Jefferson County that were either unincorporated or within the City of Louisville before the formation of the merged government in 2003. In 2018 the Louisville Combined Statistical Area (CSA) had a population of 1,569,112; including 1,209,191 in Kentucky, which means more than 25% of the state's population now lives in the Louisville CSA. Since 2000, over one-third of the state's population growth has occurred in the Louisville CSA. In addition, the top 28 wealthiest places in Kentucky are in Jefferson County and seven of the 15 wealthiest counties in the state are located in the Louisville CSA.

The state's second-largest city is Lexington with a 2018 census population of 323,780, its metro had a population of 516,697, and its CSA, which includes the Frankfort and Richmond statistical areas, having a population of 746,310. The Northern Kentucky area, which comprises the seven Kentucky counties in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, had a population of 447,457 in 2018. The metropolitan areas of Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky have a combined population of 2,402,958 as of 2018, which is 54% of the state's total population on only about 19% of the state's land. This area is often referred to as the Golden triangle as it contains a majority of the state's wealth, population, population growth, and economic growth, it is where most of the state's largest cities by population are located. It is referred to as the Golden triangle as the metro areas of Lexington, Louisville, and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati outline a triangle shape. Interstates I-71, I-75, and I-64 form the triangle shape. Additionally, all counties in Kentucky that are part of an MSA or CSA have a total population of 2,970,694, which is 67% of the state's population.

As of 2017 Bowling Green had a population of 67,067, making it the third most populous city in the state. The Bowling Green metropolitan area had an estimated population of 174,835; and the combined statistical area it shares with Glasgow has an estimated population of 228,743.

The two other fast-growing urban areas in Kentucky are the Bowling Green area and the "Tri-Cities Region" of southeastern Kentucky, comprising Somerset, London and Corbin.

Although only one town in the "Tri-Cities" (Somerset) currently has more than 12,000 people, the area has been experiencing heightened population and job growth since the 1990s. Growth has been especially rapid in Laurel County, which outgrew areas such as Scott and Jessamine counties around Lexington or Shelby and Nelson Counties around Louisville. London significantly grew in population in the 2000s, from 5,692 in 2000 to 7,993 in 2010. London landed a Wal-Mart distribution center in 1997, bringing thousands of jobs to the community.

In northeast Kentucky, the greater Ashland area is an important transportation, manufacturing, and medical center. Iron and petroleum production, as well as the transport of coal by rail and barge, have been historical pillars of the region's economy. Due to a decline in the area's industrial base, Ashland has seen a sizable reduction in its population since 1990; however, the population of the area has since stabilized with the medical service industry taking a greater role in the local economy. The Ashland area, including the counties of Boyd and Greenup, is part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649. More than 21,000 of those people (as of 2010) reside within the city limits of Ashland.

The largest county in Kentucky by area is Pike, which contains Pikeville and suburb Coal Run Village. The county and surrounding area is the most populated region in the state that is not part of a Micropolitan Statistical Area or a Metropolitan Statistical Area containing nearly 200,000 people in five counties: Floyd County, Martin County, Letcher County, and neighboring Mingo County, West Virginia. Pike County contains slightly more than 68,000 people.

Only three U.S. states have capitals with smaller populations than Kentucky's Frankfort (pop. 25,527): Augusta, Maine (pop. 18,560), Pierre, South Dakota (pop. 13,876), and Montpelier, Vermont (pop. 8,035).

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Kentucky

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1790	73,677		—
1800	220,955		199.9%
1810	406,511		84.0%
1820	564,317		38.8%
1830	687,917		21.9%
1840	779,828		13.4%
1850	982,405		26.0%
1860	1,155,684		17.6%
1870	1,321,011		14.3%
1880	1,648,690		24.8%
1890	1,858,635		12.7%
1900	2,147,174		15.5%
1910	2,289,905		6.6%
1920	2,416,630		5.5%
1930	2,614,589		8.2%
1940	2,845,627		8.8%
1950	2,944,806		3.5%
1960	3,038,156		3.2%
1970	3,218,706		5.9%
1980	3,660,777		13.7%
1990	3,685,295		0.7%
2000	4,041,770		9.7%
2010	4,339,367		7.4%
2020	4,505,836		3.8%
2024 (est.)	4,588,372		1.8%
Sources: 1790–2000 1910–2020

The United States Census Bureau determined that the population of Kentucky was 4,505,836 in 2020, increasing since the 2010 United States census.

As of July 1, 2016, Kentucky had an estimated population of 4,436,974, which is an increase of 12,363 from the prior year and an increase of 97,607, or 2.2%, since the year 2010. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 73,541 people (that is 346,968 births minus 273,427 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 26,135 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 40,051 people, and migration within the country produced a net decrease of 13,916 people. As of 2015, Kentucky's population included about 149,016 foreign-born persons (3.4%). In 2016 the population density of the state was 110 people per square mile (42 people/km). Mexico, India, Cuba, China, and Guatemala are the top five countries of origin for Kentucky's immigrants.

Kentucky's population has grown every decade since records began, though during most decades of the 20th century there was net out-migration from the state. Since 1900, rural Kentucky counties have suffered a net loss of more than a million people to migration, while urban areas have experienced a slight net gain.

Kentucky's center of population is in Washington County, in the city of Willisburg.

According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 3,984 homeless people in Kentucky.

Life expectancy in Kentucky is 72.5 years in 2021.

Race and ancestry

Ethnic composition as of the 2020 census

Race and Ethnicity	Alone		Total
White (non-Hispanic)	81.3%	81.3	85.0%	85
African American (non-Hispanic)	7.9%	7.9	9.4%	9.4
Hispanic or Latino	—		4.6%	4.6
Asian	1.6%	1.6	2.1%	2.1
Native American	0.2%	0.2	1.8%	1.8
Pacific Islander	0.1%	0.1	0.2%	0.2
Other	0.3%	0.3	0.9%	0.9

Historical racial demographics

Racial composition	1990	2000	2010	2020
White	92.0%	90.1%	87.8%	82.4%
Black	7.1%	7.3%	7.8%	8.0%
Asian	0.5%	0.7%	1.1%	1.7%
Native American and Alaska Native	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander	–	–	0.1%	0.1%
Other race	0.2%	0.6%	1.3%	2.1%
Two or more races	–	1.0%	1.7%	5.4%

According to U.S. Census Bureau official statistics, the state's largest ancestry in 2013 was American, totalling 20.2%. In 1980, before the status of ethnic American was an available option on the official census, the largest claimed ancestries in the commonwealth were English (49.6%), Irish (26.3%), and German (24.2%). In the urban counties of Jefferson, Oldham, Fayette, Boone, Kenton, and Campbell, German is the largest reported ancestry. Americans of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry are present throughout the entire state. Many residents claim Irish ancestry on account of Scotch-Irish (Ulster Scots) descent. In the 1980s, the only counties in the United States where over half of the population cited "English" as their only ancestry group were in eastern Kentucky.

In the 2000 census, some 20,000 people (0.49%) in the state self-identified as Native American. The state has no federally recognized tribes or state-recognized tribes.

African-Americans, who were mostly enslaved at the time, made up 25% of Kentucky's population before the Civil War; they were held and worked primarily in the central Bluegrass region, an area of hemp and tobacco cultivation, as well as raising blooded livestock. The number of African Americans living in Kentucky declined during the 20th century amid the Great Migration; today, 8% of the state's total population is African-American. The state's African-American population is highly urbanized, with 44.2% living in Jefferson County and 52% living in the broader Louisville metropolitan area. Other areas with high concentrations include Christian and Fulton counties and the cities of Paducah and Lexington.

The Hispanic and Asian populations in Kentucky are small, but have grown significantly since the late 20th century. Most of Kentucky's Hispanic residents are of Mexican ancestry, while most of Kentucky's Asian residents are of Chinese and Indian heritage. There is also a Vietnamese community in Lexington and Louisville, and Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao populations in Bowling Green.

Language

In 2000, 96% of all residents of the state five years old and older spoke only English at home, a small decrease from 98% in 1990. Speech patterns in the state generally reflect the first settlers' Virginia backgrounds. South Midland features are best preserved in the mountains, with Southern in most other areas of Kentucky, but some common to Midland and Southern are widespread. After a vowel, the /r/ may be weak or missing. For instance, Coop has the vowel of put, but the root rhymes with boot. In southern Kentucky, earthworms are called redworms, a burlap bag is known as a tow sack or the Southern grass sack, and green beans are called snap beans. In Kentucky English, a young man may carry, not escort, his girlfriend to a party.

Spanish is the second-most-spoken language in Kentucky, after English.

Religion

See also: Religion in Louisville, Kentucky

Religion in Kentucky (2014)
Religion			Percent
Protestant			65%
No religion			22%
Catholic			10%
Other faith			2%

As of 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) reported the following groupings of Kentucky's 4,339,367 residents:

• 48% not affiliated with any religious group, 2,101,653 persons
• 42% Protestant Christian, 1,819,860 adherents
  • 33% Evangelical Protestant, 1,448,947 adherents (23% within the Southern Baptist Convention, 1,004,407 adherents)
  • 7.1% Mainline Protestant, 305,955 adherents (4.4% in the United Methodist Church, 189,596 adherents)
  • 1.5% Black Protestant, 64,958 adherents
• 8.3% Catholic, 359,783 adherents
• 0.74% Latter-day Saints, 31,991 adherents
• 0.60% other religions, 26,080 adherents (0.26% Muslim, 0.16% Jewish, 0.06% Buddhist, 0.01% other)

Being a Southern state in the Bible Belt, Kentucky is predominantly Christian and is home to several seminaries. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville is the principal seminary for the Southern Baptist Convention. Louisville is the home of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, an institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Lexington has one seminary, Lexington Theological Seminary (affiliated with the Disciples of Christ). The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky is located on the campus of Georgetown College in Georgetown. Asbury Theological Seminary, a multi-denominational seminary in the Methodist tradition, is located in nearby Wilmore.

In addition to seminaries, there are several colleges affiliated with denominations:

• In Louisville, Bellarmine University and Spalding University are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.
• In Lexington, Transylvania University is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.
• In Owensboro, Kentucky Wesleyan College is associated with the United Methodist Church, and Brescia University is associated with the Roman Catholic Church.
• In Pikeville, the University of Pikeville is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
• In Wilmore, Asbury University (a separate institution from the seminary) is associated with the Christian College Consortium.
• The Baptist denomination is associated with several colleges:
  • University of the Cumberlands, in Williamsburg
  • Campbellsville University, in Campbellsville
  • Georgetown College, in Georgetown
  • Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, in Pineville, Kentucky
• Grayson in Carter County is home to Kentucky Christian University which is affiliated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.
• The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani is located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Author Thomas Merton, known as a social activist, worked to reconcile Christianity with other major religions, had converted to Catholicism as a young man, and became a Trappist monk; he lived and worked here from 1941 until his death in 1968.

Louisville is home to the Cathedral of the Assumption, the third-oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The city holds the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and their printing press. Reflecting late 19th, 20th and 21st-century immigration from different countries, Louisville also has Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities.

In 1996 the Center for Interfaith Relations established the Festival of Faiths, the first and oldest annual interfaith festival to be held in the United States.

The Christian creationist apologetics group, Answers in Genesis, along with its Creation Museum, is headquartered in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Economy

See also: Economy of Louisville, Kentucky; Economy of Lexington, Kentucky; and Kentucky locations by per capita income

Early in its history, Kentucky gained recognition for its excellent farming conditions. It was the site of the first commercial winery in the United States (started in present-day Jessamine County in 1799) and due to the high calcium content of the soil in the Bluegrass region quickly became a major horse breeding (and later racing) area. Today Kentucky ranks 5th nationally in goat farming, 8th in beef cattle production, and 14th in corn production. Kentucky has been a long-standing major center of the tobacco industry – both as a center of business and tobacco farming.

Kentucky's economy has expanded to in non-agricultural terms as well, especially auto manufacturing, energy fuel production, and medical facilities.

Kentucky ranks 4th among U.S. states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled. The Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR (2004–09), Ford Escape, Ford Super Duty trucks, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Solara, Toyota Venza, and Lexus ES 350 are assembled in Kentucky.

Kentucky has historically been a major coal producer, but the industry has been in decline since the 1980s, and the number employed dropped by more than half between 2011 and 2015.

As of 2010, 24% of electricity produced in the U.S. depended on either enriched uranium rods coming from the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (the only domestic site of low-grade uranium enrichment), or from the 107,000 tons of coal extracted from the state's two coal fields (which combined produce 4% percent of the electricity in the US).

Kentucky produces 95% of the world's supply of bourbon whiskey, and the number of barrels of bourbon being aged in Kentucky (more than 5.7 million) exceeds the state's population. Bourbon has been a growing market – with production of Kentucky bourbon rising 170 percent between 1999 and 2015. In 2019 the state had more than fifty distilleries for bourbon production.

Kentucky exports reached a record $22.1 billion in 2012, with products and services going to 199 countries.

According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state, new business investment in Kentucky in 2012 totaled nearly $2.7 billion, with the creation of more than 14,000 new jobs. One such investment was L'Oréal in Northern Kentucky, which added 200 jobs on top of the 280 already in existing facilities in Florence and Walton.

Fort Knox, a United States Army post best known as the site of the United States Bullion Depository, which is used to house a large portion of the United States official gold reserves, is located in Kentucky between Louisville and Elizabethtown. In May 2010, the Army Human Resource Center of Excellence, the largest office building in the state at nearly 900,000 square feet (84,000 m) opened at Fort Knox. The complex employs nearly 4,300 soldiers and civilians.

Kentucky contains two of the twenty U.S. Federal Penitentiaries: USP Big Sandy (in the east in Martin County near Inez) and USP McCreary (in the south in McCreary County in the Daniel Boone National Forest).

The total gross state product for 2020 was $213 billion. Its per capita income was $25,888 in 2017. An organization called the Institute for Truth in Accounting estimated that the state government's debts exceeded its available assets by $26,300 per taxpayer as of 2011, ranking the state as having the 5th highest such debt burden in the nation.

As of March 2024, the state's unemployment rate is 4.5%. In 2014 Kentucky was the most affordable U.S. state in which to live.

Taxation

Tax is collected by the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Kentucky has a flat 4% individual income tax rate. The sales tax rate in Kentucky is 6%.

Kentucky has a broadly based classified property tax system. All classes of property, unless exempted by the Constitution, are taxed by the state, although at widely varying rates. Many of these classes are exempted from taxation by local government. Of the classes that are subject to local taxation, three have special rates set by the General Assembly, one by the Kentucky Supreme Court and the remaining classes are subject to the full local rate, which includes the tax rate set by the local taxing bodies plus all voted levies. Real property is assessed on 100% of the fair market value and property taxes are due by December 31. Once the primary source of state and local government revenue, property taxes now account for only about 6% of the Kentucky's annual General Fund revenues.

Until January 1, 2006, Kentucky imposed a tax on intangible personal property held by a taxpayer on January 1 of each year. The Kentucky intangible tax was repealed under House Bill 272. Intangible property consisted of any property or investment that represents evidence of value or the right to value. Some types of intangible property included: bonds, notes, retail repurchase agreements, accounts receivable, trusts, enforceable contracts sale of real estate (land contracts), money in hand, money in safe deposit boxes, annuities, interests in estates, loans to stockholders, and commercial paper.

In 2023, Kentucky launched a regulated local and online sports betting industry. Taxing sportsbooks at 9.75% (in person) and 14.25% (online), the first two months of action saw the state collect $7.94 million.

Tourism

See also: Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Tourism has become an increasingly important part of the Kentucky economy. In 2019 tourism grew to $7.6 billion in economic impact. Key attractions include horse racing with events like the Kentucky Derby and the Keeneland Fall and Spring Meets, bourbon distillery tours, including along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Louisville Urban Bourbon Trail, and natural attractions such as the state's many lakes and parks to include Mammoth Cave, Lake Cumberland and Red River Gorge.

The state also has several religious destinations such as the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter of Answers in Genesis.

In December 2002, the Kentucky governor Paul E. Patton unveiled the state slogan "It's that friendly", in the hope of drawing more people into the state based on the idea of southern hospitality. Though it was meant to embrace southern values, many Kentuckians rejected the slogan as cheesy and generic. It was seen that the slogan did not encourage tourism as much as initially hoped for.

In 2004, then Governor Ernie Fletcher launched a comprehensive branding campaign with the hope of making the state's $12–14 million advertising budget more effective. The resulting "Unbridled Spirit" brand was the result of a $500,000 contract with New West, a Kentucky-based public relations advertising and marketing firm, to develop a viable brand and tag line. The Fletcher administration aggressively marketed the brand in both the public and private sectors. Since that time, the "Welcome to Kentucky" signs at border areas have an "Unbridled Spirit" symbol on them.

Horse industry

See also: Horse racing in the United States

Horse Racing has long been associated with Kentucky. Churchill Downs, the home of the Derby, is a large venue with a capacity exceeding 165,000. The track hosts multiple events throughout the year and is a significant draw to the city of Louisville. Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, hosts two major meets, the Spring and Fall running. Beyond hosting races Keeneland also hosts a significant horse auction drawing buyers from around the world. In 2019 $360 million was spent on the September Yearling sale. The Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown hosts multiple events throughout the year, including international equestrian competitions and also offers horseback riding from April to October.

Education

Main articles: Education in Kentucky and History of education in Kentucky See also: Education Reform in Kentucky, List of colleges and universities in Kentucky, List of high schools in Kentucky, and List of school districts in Kentucky

Kentucky maintains eight public four-year universities. There are two general tiers: major research institutions (the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville) and regional universities, which encompass the remaining six schools. The regional schools have specific target counties that many of their programs are targeted towards (such as Forestry at Eastern Kentucky University or Cave Management at Western Kentucky University), however, most of their curriculum varies little from any other public university.

The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Louisville (UofL) have the highest academic rankings and admissions standards although the regional schools are not without their national recognized departments – examples being Western Kentucky University's nationally ranked Journalism Department or Morehead State University offering one of the nation's only Space Science degrees. UK is the flagship and land grant of the system and has agriculture extension services in every county. The two research schools split duties related to the medical field, UK handles all medical outreach programs in the eastern half of the state while UofL does all medical outreach in the state's western half.

The state's sixteen public two-year colleges have been governed by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System since the passage of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, commonly referred to as House Bill 1. Before the passage of House Bill 1, most of these colleges were under the control of the University of Kentucky.

Transylvania University, a liberal arts university located in Lexington, was founded in 1780 as the oldest university west of the Allegheny Mountains.

Berea College, located at the extreme southern edge of the Bluegrass below the Cumberland Plateau, was the first coeducational college in the South to admit both Black and white students, doing so from its very establishment in 1855. A state law in 1904 ended integration, and the law was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Berea College v. Kentucky in 1908.The state law was repealed in 1950 and Berea resumed integration.

There are 173 school districts and 1,233 public schools in Kentucky. For the 2010 to 2011 school year, there were approximately 647,827 students enrolled in public school.

Kentucky has been the site of much educational reform over the past two decades. In 1989 the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled the state's education system was unconstitutional. The response of the General Assembly was passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) the following year. Years later, Kentucky has shown progress, but most agree that further reform is needed.

The West Virginia teachers' strike in 2018 inspired teachers in other states, including Kentucky, to take similar action.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Kentucky

Roads

See also: List of Kentucky State Highways

Kentucky is served by six major Interstate highways (I-24, I-64, I-65, I-69, I-71, and I-75), seven parkways, and six bypasses and spurs (I-165, I-169, I-264, I-265, I-275, and I-471). The parkways were originally toll roads, but on November 22, 2006, Governor Ernie Fletcher ended the toll charges on the William H. Natcher Parkway and the Audubon Parkway, the last two parkways in Kentucky to charge tolls for access. The related toll booths have been demolished.

Ending the tolls some seven months ahead of schedule was generally agreed to have been a positive economic development for transportation in Kentucky. In June 2007, a law went into effect raising the speed limit on rural portions of Kentucky Interstates and parkways from 65 to 70 miles per hour (105 to 113 km/h).

Road tunnels include the interstate Cumberland Gap Tunnel and the rural Nada Tunnel.

Rails

See also: List of Kentucky railroads

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Ashland, South Portsmouth, Maysville and Fulton. The Cardinal (trains 50 and 51) is the line that offers Amtrak service to Ashland, South Shore, Maysville and South Portsmouth. The City of New Orleans (trains 58 and 59) serve Fulton. The Northern Kentucky area is served by the Cardinal at Cincinnati Union Terminal. The terminal is just across the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

Norfolk Southern Railway passes through the Central and Southern parts of the Commonwealth, via its Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Texas Pacific (CNO&TP) subsidiary. The line originates in Cincinnati and terminates 338 miles south in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As of 2004, there were approximately 2,640 miles (4,250 km) of railways in Kentucky, with about 65% of those being operated by CSX Transportation. Coal was by far the most common cargo, accounting for 76% of cargo loaded and 61% of cargo delivered.

Bardstown features a tourist attraction known as My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Run along a 20-mile (30 km) stretch of rail purchased from CSX in 1987, guests are served a four-course meal as they make a two-and-a-half-hour round-trip between Bardstown and Limestone Springs. The Kentucky Railway Museum is located in nearby New Haven.

Other areas in Kentucky are reclaiming old railways in rail trail projects. One such project is Louisville's Big Four Bridge. When the bridge's Indiana approach ramps opened in 2014, completing the pedestrian connection across the Ohio River, the Big Four Bridge rail trail became the second-longest pedestrian-only bridge in the world. The longest pedestrian-only bridge is also found in Kentucky – the Newport Southbank Bridge, popularly known as the "Purple People Bridge", connecting Newport to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Air

See also: List of airports in Kentucky

Kentucky's primary airports include Louisville International Airport (Standiford Field (SDF)) of Louisville, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) of Cincinnati/Covington, and Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington. Louisville International Airport is home to UPS's Worldport, its international air-sorting hub. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the largest airport in the state, and is a focus city for passenger airline Delta Air Lines and headquarters of its Delta Private Jets. The airport is one of DHL Aviation's three super-hubs, serving destinations throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it the 7th busiest airport in the U.S. and 36th in the world based on passenger and cargo operations. CVG is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines and is the largest O&D airport and base for Allegiant Air, along with home to a maintenance for American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines and Delta Air Lines subsidiary Endeavor Air. There are also a number of regional airports scattered across the state.

On August 27, 2006, Blue Grass Airport was the site of a crash that killed 47 passengers and 2 crew members aboard a Bombardier CRJ designated Comair Flight 191, or Delta Air Lines Flight 5191, sometimes mistakenly identified by the press as Comair Flight 5191. The lone survivor was the flight's first officer, James Polehinke, who doctors determined to be brain damaged and unable to recall the crash at all.

Water

As the state is bounded by two of the largest rivers in North America, water transportation has historically played a major role in Kentucky's economy. Louisville was a major port for steamships in the nineteenth century. Today, most barge traffic on Kentucky waterways consists of coal that is shipped from both the Eastern and Western Coalfields, about half of which is used locally to power many power plants located directly off the Ohio River, with the rest being exported to other countries, most notably Japan.

Many of the largest ports in the United States are located in or adjacent to Kentucky, including:

• Huntington-Tristate (includes Ashland, Kentucky), largest inland port and 7th largest overall
• Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, 5th largest inland port and 43rd overall
• Louisville-Southern Indiana, 7th largest inland port and 55th overall

As a state, Kentucky ranks 10th overall in port tonnage.

The only natural obstacle along the entire length of the Ohio River is the Falls of the Ohio, located just west of Downtown Louisville.

Law and government

Further information: Government of Kentucky

Kentucky is one of four U.S. states to officially use the term commonwealth. The term was used for Kentucky as it had also been used by Virginia, from which Kentucky was created. The term has no particular significance in its meaning and was chosen to emphasize the distinction from the status of royal colonies as a place governed for the general welfare of the populace. Kentucky was originally styled as the "State of Kentucky" in the act admitting it to the Union and its first constitution.

The "Commonwealth" term was used in citizen petitions submitted between 1786 and 1792 for the creation of the state. It was also used in the title of a history of the state that was published in 1834 and was used in various places within that book in references to Virginia and Kentucky. The other three states officially called "commonwealths" are Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; the territories of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands are also formally commonwealths.

Kentucky is one of only five states that elect their state officials in odd-numbered years (the others being Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia). Kentucky holds elections for these offices every four years in the years preceding Presidential election years. Thus, Kentucky held gubernatorial elections in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

Executive branch

The executive branch is headed by the governor, who serves as both head of state and head of government. The lieutenant governor may or may not have executive authority depending on whether the person is a member of the Governor's cabinet. Under the current Kentucky Constitution, the lieutenant governor assumes the duties of the governor only if the governor is incapacitated. (Before 1992 the lieutenant governor assumed power any time the governor was out of the state.) The governor and lieutenant governor usually run on a single ticket (also per a 1992 constitutional amendment) and are elected to four-year terms. The current governor is Andy Beshear, and the lieutenant governor is Jacqueline Coleman. Both are Democrats.

The executive branch is organized into the following "cabinets", each headed by a secretary who is also a member of the governor's cabinet:

• General Government Cabinet
• Transportation Cabinet
• Cabinet for Economic Development
• Finance and Administration Cabinet
• Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet
• Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
• Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
• Personnel Cabinet
• Labor Cabinet
• Energy and Environment Cabinet
• Public Protection Cabinet

The cabinet system was introduced in 1972 by Governor Wendell Ford to consolidate hundreds of government entities that reported directly to the governor's office.

Other elected constitutional offices include the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer and Commissioner of Agriculture. Currently, Republican Michael G. Adams serves as the Secretary of State. The commonwealth's chief prosecutor, law enforcement officer, and law officer is the Attorney General, currently Republican Russell Coleman. The Auditor of Public Accounts is Republican Allison Ball. Republican Mark Metcalf is the current Treasurer. Republican Jonathan Shell is the current Commissioner of Agriculture.

Legislative branch

Kentucky's legislative branch consists of a bicameral body known as the Kentucky General Assembly. The Senate is considered the upper house. It has 38 members and is led by the President of the Senate, currently Robert Stivers (R). The House of Representatives has 100 members, and is led by the Speaker of the House, currently David Osborne of the Republican Party.

In 2016, Republicans won control of the House for the first time since 1922. The party currently holds supermajorities in both chambers.

Judicial branch

The judicial branch of Kentucky is called the Kentucky Court of Justice and comprises courts of limited jurisdiction called District Courts; courts of general jurisdiction called Circuit Courts; specialty courts such as Drug Court and Family Court; an intermediate appellate court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals; and a court of last resort, the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The Kentucky Court of Justice is headed by the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth. The chief justice is appointed by, and is an elected member of, the Supreme Court of Kentucky. The current chief justice is Laurance VanMeter.

Unlike federal judges, who are usually appointed, justices serving on Kentucky state courts are chosen by the state's populace in non-partisan elections.

Federal representation

Kentucky's two U.S. senators are Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, both Republicans. The state is divided into six congressional districts, represented by Republicans James Comer (1st), Brett Guthrie (2nd), Thomas Massie (4th), Hal Rogers (5th) and Andy Barr (6th) and Democrat Morgan McGarvey (3rd).

In the federal judiciary, Kentucky is served by two United States district courts: the Eastern District of Kentucky, with its primary seat in Lexington, and the Western District of Kentucky, with its primary seat in Louisville. Appeals are heard in the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Law

Kentucky's body of laws, known as the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), were enacted in 1942 to better organize and clarify the whole of Kentucky law. The statutes are enforced by local police, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, and constables and deputy constables. Unless they have completed a police academy elsewhere, these officers are required to complete Police Officer Professional Standards (POPS) training at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Center on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. Additionally, in 1948, the Kentucky General Assembly established the Kentucky State Police, making it the 38th state to create a force whose jurisdiction extends throughout the given state.

Kentucky is one of the 32 states in the United States that sanctions the death penalty for certain murders defined as heinous. Those convicted of capital crimes after March 31, 1998, are always executed by lethal injection; those convicted on or before this date may opt for the electric chair. Only three people have been executed in Kentucky since the U.S. Supreme Court re-instituted the practice in 1976. The most notable execution in Kentucky was that of Rainey Bethea on August 14, 1936. Bethea was publicly hanged in Owensboro for the rape and murder of Lischia Edwards. Irregularities with the execution led to this becoming the last public execution in the United States.

Kentucky has been on the front lines of the debate over displaying the Ten Commandments on public property. In the 2005 case of McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that a display of the Ten Commandments in the Whitley City courthouse of McCreary County was unconstitutional. Later that year, Judge Richard Fred Suhrheinrich, writing for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of ACLU of Kentucky v. Mercer County, wrote that a display including the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Ten Commandments, Magna Carta, The Star-Spangled Banner, and the national motto could be erected in the Mercer County courthouse.

Kentucky has been known to have unusually high political candidacy age laws, especially compared to surrounding states. The origin of this is unknown.

Politics

Further information: Political party strength in Kentucky

Since the late 1990s, Kentucky has supported Republican candidates for most federal political offices, and, more recently, for state-level office as well. The state leaned toward the Democratic Party from 1860 through the 1990s, and was considered a swing state at the presidential level for most of the latter half of the 20th century.

The southeastern region of the state aligned with the Union during the war and has consistently supported Republican candidates. The central and western portions of the state were heavily Democratic in the years leading to the Civil War, were pro-secessionist and pro-Confederate during the Civil War, and in the decades following the war. Kentucky was part of the Democratic Solid South in the second half of the nineteenth century and through the majority of the twentieth century.

Mirroring a broader national reversal of party composition, the Kentucky Democratic Party of the twenty-first century primarily consists of liberal whites, African Americans, and other minorities. Although most of the state's voters have reliably elected Republican candidates for federal office since the late 1990s, Democrats held an advantage in party registration until 2022. On July 15, 2022, the Kentucky Secretary of State's office announced that for the first time in its history, the commonwealth had more registered Republicans than registered Democrats, with 45.19% of the state's voters registered as Republicans, 45.12% registered as Democrats, and 9.69% registered with another political party or as independents.

From 1964 through 2004, Kentucky voted for the eventual winner of the election for President of the United States; however, in the 2008 election the state lost its bellwether status. Republican John McCain won Kentucky, but he lost the national popular and electoral vote to Democrat Barack Obama (McCain carried Kentucky 57% to 41%). 116 of Kentucky's 120 counties supported former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in the 2012 election while he lost to Barack Obama nationwide.

Voters in the Commonwealth have supported the previous three Democratic candidates elected to the White House in the late 20th century, all from Southern states: Lyndon B. Johnson (Texas) in 1964, Jimmy Carter (Georgia) in 1976, and Bill Clinton (Arkansas) in 1992 and 1996. In the twenty-first century presidential elections, the state has become a Republican stronghold, supporting that party's presidential candidates by double-digit margins from 2000 through 2020. At the same time, voters have continued to elect Democratic candidates to state and local offices in many jurisdictions.

Elliott County, Kentucky is notable for having held the longest streak of any county in the United States voting Democratic. Founded in 1869, Elliott County supported the Democratic nominee in every presidential election from 1872 (the first in which it participated) until 2012. In 2016, Donald Trump became the first Republican to ever carry the county, and he did so in a 44-point landslide, highlighting the modern Republican Party's dominance among rural whites and many ancestrally Democratic, socially-conservative voters.

Kentucky is one of the most anti-abortion states in the United States. A 2014 poll conducted by Pew Research Center found that 57% of Kentucky's population thought that abortion should be illegal in all/most cases, while only 36% thought that abortion should be legal in all/most cases.

In a 2020 study, Kentucky was ranked as the 8th hardest state for citizens to vote in.

Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 2024
Party		Number of voters	Percentage
	Republican	1,659,088	46.76%
	Democratic	1,508,617	42.52%
	Other	213,506	6.02%
	Independent	166,925	4.70%
Total		3,548,136	100.00%

Culture

Main article: Culture of Kentucky See also: Theater in Kentucky; Performing arts in Louisville, Kentucky; and List of attractions and events in the Louisville metropolitan area

Kentucky culture is firmly Southern, and influenced by that of Appalachia. The state is known for bourbon and whiskey distilling, tobacco, horse racing, and college basketball. Kentucky is more similar to the Upland South in terms of ancestry that is predominantly American.

Nevertheless, during the 19th century, Kentucky did receive a substantial number of German immigrants, who settled mostly in the Midwest and parts of the Upper South, along the Ohio River primarily in Louisville, Covington and Newport. Only Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia have higher German ancestry percentages than Kentucky among Census-defined Southern states, although Kentucky's percentage is closer to Arkansas and Virginia's than the previously named state's percentages. Scottish Americans, English Americans and Scotch-Irish Americans have heavily influenced Kentucky culture, and are present in every part of the state. As of the 1980s the only counties in the United States where more than half the population cited "English" as their only ancestry group were all in the hills of eastern Kentucky (and made up virtually every county in this region).

Kentucky was a slave state, and Black people once composed over one-quarter of its population; however, it lacked the cotton plantation system though it did support significant and large scale tobacco plantation systems in the western and central parts of the state more similar to the plantations developed in Virginia and North Carolina than those in the Deep South, and never had the same high percentage of African Americans as most other slave states. While less than 8% of the total population is Black, Kentucky has a relatively significant rural African American population in the Central and Western areas of the state.

Kentucky adopted the Jim Crow system of racial segregation in most public spheres after the Civil War. Louisville's 1914 ordinance for residential racial segregation was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1917. However, in 1908 Kentucky enacted the Day Law, "An Act to Prohibit White and Colored Persons from Attending the Same School", which Berea College unsuccessfully challenged at the US Supreme Court in 1908. In 1948, Lyman T. Johnson filed suit for admission to the University of Kentucky; as a result, nearly thirty African American students entered UK graduate and professional programs in the summer of 1949. Kentucky integrated its schools after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education verdict, later adopting the first state civil rights act in the South in 1966.

Kentucky commemorates Confederate Memorial Day but added Juneteenth as a holiday by proclamation of Governor Andy Beshear in 2024. The biggest day in American horse racing, the Kentucky Derby, is preceded by the two-week Derby Festival in Louisville. The Derby Festival features many events, including Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, Fest-a-Ville, the Chow Wagon, BalloonFest, BourbonVille, and many others leading up to the big race.

Louisville also plays host to the Kentucky State Fair and the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. Bowling Green, the state's third-largest city and home to the only assembly plant in the world that manufactures the Chevrolet Corvette, opened the National Corvette Museum in 1994. The fourth-largest city, Owensboro, gives credence to its nickname of "Barbecue Capital of the World" by hosting the annual International Bar-B-Q Festival.

Old Louisville, the largest historic preservation district in the United States featuring Victorian architecture and the third largest overall, hosts the St. James Court Art Show, the largest outdoor art show in the United States. The neighborhood was also home to the Southern Exposition (1883–1887), which featured the first public display of Thomas Edison's light bulb, and was the setting of Alice Hegan Rice's novel, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.

Fairview was the birthplace of Jefferson Davis, who would become President of the Confederate States of America; the town had the Jefferson Davis Memorial, a 351-foot concrete obelisk, built in 1917. Hodgenville, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, hosts the annual Lincoln Days Celebration, and also hosted the kick-off for the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration in February 2008. Bardstown celebrates its heritage as a major bourbon-producing region with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Glasgow mimics Glasgow, Scotland by hosting the Glasgow Highland Games, its own version of the Highland Games, and Sturgis hosts "Little Sturgis", a mini version of Sturgis, South Dakota's annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The state is famous for quilts. The National Quilt Museum is in Paducah. It hosts QuiltWeek, an annual competition and celebration of that attracts artists and hobbyists from the world of quilting.

Winchester celebrates an original Kentucky creation, Beer Cheese, with its Beer Cheese Festival held annually in June. Beer Cheese was developed in Clark County at some point in the 1940s along the Kentucky River.

The residents of tiny Benton pay tribute to their favorite tuber, the sweet potato, by hosting Tater Day. Residents of Clarkson in Grayson County celebrate their city's ties to the honey industry by celebrating the Clarkson Honeyfest. The Clarkson Honeyfest is held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in September, and is the "Official State Honey Festival of Kentucky".

Music

Main article: Music of Kentucky See also: Category:Musicians from Kentucky

Renfro Valley, Kentucky is home to Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and is known as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital", a designation given it by the Kentucky State Legislature in the late 1980s. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance was where Renfro Valley's musical heritage began, in 1939, and influential country music luminaries like Red Foley, Homer & Jethro, Lily May Ledford & the Original Coon Creek Girls, Martha Carson and many others have performed as regular members of the shows there over the years. The Renfro Valley Gatherin' is today America's second-oldest continually broadcast radio program of any kind. It is broadcast on local radio station WRVK and a syndicated network of nearly 200 other stations across the United States and Canada every week.

Contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman is a Paducah native, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Everly Brothers are closely connected with Muhlenberg County, where older brother Don was born. Merle Travis, Country and Western artist known for both his signature "Travis picking" guitar playing style, as well as his hit song "Sixteen Tons", was also born in Muhlenberg County. Kentucky was also home to Mildred and Patty Hill, the Louisville sisters credited with composing the tune to the ditty Happy Birthday to You in 1893; Loretta Lynn (Johnson County), Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, and Billy Ray Cyrus (Flatwoods).

However, its depth lies in its signature sound – Bluegrass music. Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass", was born in the small Ohio County town of Rosine, while Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, David "Stringbean" Akeman, Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones, Sonny and Bobby Osborne, and Sam Bush (who has been compared to Monroe) all hail from Kentucky. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is located in Owensboro, while the annual Festival of the Bluegrass is held in Lexington.

Kentucky was also home to famed jazz musician Lionel Hampton. Blues legend W. C. Handy and R&B singer Wilson Pickett also spent considerable time in Kentucky. The R&B group Midnight Star and Hip-Hop group Nappy Roots were both formed in Kentucky, as were country acts the Kentucky Headhunters, Montgomery Gentry, Halfway to Hazard, the Judds, and Dove Award-winning Christian groups Audio Adrenaline and Bride. Black Stone Cherry hails from rural Edmonton. Indie rock bands Slint, My Morning Jacket, Wax Fang, White Reaper, and Tantric formed in Louisville; indie rock bands Cage the Elephant, Sleeper Agent, and Morning Teleportation are from Bowling Green. The bluegrass groups Driftwood and Kentucky Rain, along with Nick Lachey of the pop band 98 Degrees are also from Kentucky. King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew is from Covington. Noted singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was a native of Maysville, her legacy being celebrated at the annual music festival bearing her name. Noted songwriter and actor Will Oldham is from Louisville. More recently in the limelight are country artists Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Chris Knight.

In eastern Kentucky, old-time music carries on the tradition of ancient ballads and reels developed in historical Appalachia.

Literature

Main article: Kentucky literature

Kentucky has played a major role in Southern and American literature, producing works that often celebrate the working class, rural life, nature, and explore issues of class, extractive economy, and family. Major works from the state include Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe, widely seen as one of the impetuses for the American Civil War; The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come (1908) by John Fox Jr., which was the first novel to sell a million copies in the United States; All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1946), rated as the 36th best English-language novel of the 20th century; The Dollmaker (1954) by Harriette Arnow; Night Comes to the Cumberlands (1962) by Harry Caudill, which contributed to initiating the U.S. Government's War on poverty, and others.

Author Thomas Merton lived most of his life and wrote most of his books – including The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), ranked on National Review's list of the 100 best non-fiction books of the century – during his time as a monk at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky. Author Hunter S. Thompson is also a native of the state. Since the later part of the 20th century, several writers from Kentucky have published widely read and critically acclaimed books, including: Wendell Berry (fl. 1960–), Silas House (fl. 2001–), Barbara Kingsolver (fl. 1988–), poet Maurice Manning (fl. 2001–), and Bobbie Ann Mason (fl. 1988–).

Well-known playwrights from Kentucky include Marsha Norman (works include 'night, Mother, 1983), Naomi Wallace (works include One Flea Spare, 1995), and George C. Wolfe (works include Jelly's Last Jam, 1992).

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Kentucky

Kentucky's cuisine is generally similar to and is a part of traditional southern cooking, although in some areas of the state it can blend elements of both the South and Appalachia, mixing Appalachian with the native Southern cuisine of the area. One original Kentucky dish is called the Hot Brown, a dish normally layered in this order: toasted bread, turkey, bacon, tomatoes and topped with mornay sauce. It was developed at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. The Pendennis Club in Louisville is the birthplace of the Old Fashioned cocktail. Also, Western Kentucky is known for its own regional style of Southern barbecue. Central Kentucky is the birthplace of Beer Cheese.

Harland Sanders, a Kentucky colonel, originated Kentucky Fried Chicken at his service station in North Corbin, though the first franchised KFC was located in South Salt Lake, Utah.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Kentucky

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Kentucky is the home of sports teams such as Minor League Baseball's Triple-A Louisville Bats and High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. It is home to the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball's Lexington Legends and the Frontier League's Florence Y'alls. The Lexington Horsemen and Louisville Fire of the now-defunct af2 had been interested in making a move up to the "major league" Arena Football League, but nothing has come of those plans.

The northern part of the state lies across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, which is home to the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds. It is not uncommon for fans to park in the city of Newport and use the Newport Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, locally known as the "Purple People Bridge", to walk to these games in Cincinnati. Georgetown College in Georgetown was the location for the Bengals' summer training camp, until it was announced in 2012 that the Bengals would no longer use the facilities.

As in many states, especially those without major league professional sports teams, college athletics are prominent. This is especially true of the state's three Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs, including the Kentucky Wildcats, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and the Louisville Cardinals. The Wildcats, Hilltoppers, and Cardinals are among the most tradition-rich college men's basketball teams in the United States, combining for 11 National Championships and 24 NCAA Final Fours; all three are high on the lists of total all-time wins, wins per season, and average wins per season.

College Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Kentucky, with the University of Kentucky's Rupp Arena (right), and the University of Louisville's KFC Yum! Center (left) ranking 2nd and 3rd in capacity among college basketball arenas.

The Kentucky Wildcats are particularly notable, leading all Division I programs in all-time wins, win percentage, NCAA tournament appearances, and being second only to UCLA in NCAA championships. Louisville has stepped onto the football scene, including winning the 2007 Orange Bowl as well as the 2013 Sugar Bowl, and producing 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Western Kentucky, the 2002 national champion in Division I-AA football (now Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)), completed its transition to Division I FBS football in 2009.

The Kentucky Derby is a horse race held annually in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. The Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville has hosted several editions of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and Ryder Cup since the 1990s.

The NASCAR Cup Series held a race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky from 2011 to 2020. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series raced there through 2020. The IndyCar Series previously raced there as well.

Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville was the primary location for training and rehab for WWE professional wrestlers from 2000 until 2008, when WWE moved its contracted talent to Florida Championship Wrestling. OVW later became the primary developmental territory for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2011 to 2013.

In 2014 Louisville City FC, a professional soccer team in the league then known as USL Pro and now as the United Soccer League, was announced. The team made its debut in 2015, playing home games at Louisville Slugger Field. In its first season, Louisville City was the official reserve side for Orlando City SC, who made its debut in Major League Soccer at the same time. That arrangement ended in 2016 when Orlando City established a directly controlled reserve side in the USL.

Kentucky colonel

Main article: Kentucky colonel

The distinction of being named a Kentucky colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. The sitting governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky bestows the honor of a colonel's commission, by issuance of letters patent. Kentucky colonels are commissioned for life and act officially as the state's goodwill ambassadors.

See also

• Index of Kentucky-related articles
• Outline of Kentucky
• USS Kentucky, 3 ships

Notes

1. However, a portion of the larger Cincinnati metropolitan area does extend into the state.
2. ^ Elevation adjusted to North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
3. Kentucky is one of only four U.S. states to use the term "Commonwealth" in its official name, along with Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
4. Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin are not distinguished between total and partial ancestry.

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241. "The college basketball teams with the most national championships | NCAA.com". www.ncaa.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
242. Grundhauser, Eric (November 8, 2017). "You Can't Be Knighted in the U.S., But You Can Be Named a Sagamore of the Wabash". Atlas Obscura. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.

Bibliography

Politics

• Miller, Penny M. Kentucky Politics & Government: Do We Stand United? (1994)
• Jewell, Malcolm E. and Everett W. Cunningham, Kentucky Politics (1968).

History

Surveys and reference

• Bodley, Temple and Samuel M. Wilson. History of Kentucky 4 vols. (1928).
• Caudill, Harry M., Night Comes to the Cumberlands (1963). ISBN 0-316-13212-8
• Channing, Steven. Kentucky: A Bicentennial History (1977).
• Clark, Thomas Dionysius. A History of Kentucky (many editions, 1937–1992).
• Collins, Lewis. History of Kentucky (1880).
• Gunther, John (1947). "Romance and Reality in Kentucky". Inside U.S.A. New York, London: Harper & Brothers. pp. 640–652.
• Harrison, Lowell H. and James C. Klotter. A New History of Kentucky (1997).
• Kleber, John E. et al. The Kentucky Encyclopedia (1992), standard reference history. ISBN 0-8131-1772-0
• Klotter, James C. Our Kentucky: A Study of the Bluegrass State (2000), high school text
• Lucas, Marion Brunson and Wright, George C. A History of Blacks in Kentucky 2 vols. (1992).
• World-Wide Web Resources – Notable Kentucky African Americans
• Share, Allen J. Cities in the Commonwealth: Two Centuries of Urban Life in Kentucky (1982).
• Wallis, Frederick A. and Hambleton Tapp. A Sesqui-Centennial History of Kentucky 4 vols. (1945).
• Ward, William S., A Literary History of Kentucky (1988) (ISBN 0-87049-578-X).
• WPA, Kentucky: A Guide to the Bluegrass State (1939); classic guide from the Federal Writers Project; covers main themes and every town online
• Yater, George H. (1987). Two Hundred Years at the Fall of the Ohio: A History of Louisville and Jefferson County (2nd ed.). Filson Club, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0-9601072-3-0.

Specialized scholarly studies

• Bakeless, John. Daniel Boone, Master of the Wilderness (1989)
• Blakey, George T. Hard Times and New Deal in Kentucky, 1929–1939 (1986)
• Coulter, E. Merton. The Civil War and Readjustment in Kentucky (1926)
• Davis, Alice. "Heroes: Kentucky's Artists from Statehood to the New Millennium" (2004)
• Ellis, William E. The Kentucky River (2000).
• Faragher, John Mack. Daniel Boone (1993)
• Fenton, John H. Politics in the Border States: A Study of the Patterns of Political Organization, and Political Change, Common to the Border States: Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri (1957) Archived August 3, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
• Harlow, Luke E. Religion, Race, and the Making of Confederate Kentucky, 1830–1880. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
• Ireland, Robert M. The County in Kentucky History (1976)
• Klotter, James C.; Harrison, Lowell; Ramage, James; Roland, Charles; Taylor, Richard; Bush, Bryan S; Fugate, Tom; Hibbs, Dixie; Matthews, Lisa; Moody, Robert C.; Myers, Marshall; Sanders, Stuart; McBride, Stephen (2005). Rose, Jerlene (ed.). Kentucky's Civil War 1861–1865. Clay City, Kentucky: Back Home in Kentucky, Inc. ISBN 978-0-9769231-1-4.
• Kelly, Andrew, Ed. "Kentucky by Design: The Decorative Arts and American Culture". Lexington, University Press of Kentucky, 2015. ISBN 978-0-8131-5567-8
• Klotter, James C. Kentucky: Portrait in Paradox, 1900–1950 (1992)
• Pearce, John Ed. Divide and Dissent: Kentucky Politics, 1930–1963 (1987)
• Remini, Robert V. Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union (1991).
• Sonne, Niels Henry. Liberal Kentucky, 1780–1828 (1939) Archived August 2, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
• Tapp, Hambleton and James C. Klotter. Kentucky Decades of Discord, 1865–1900 (1977)
• Townsend, William H. Lincoln and the Bluegrass: Slavery and Civil War in Kentucky (1955) Archived September 25, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
• Waldrep, Christopher Night Riders: Defending Community in the Black Patch, 1890–1915 (1993) tobacco wars

External links

• Official website
• Kentucky State Guide, from the Library of Congress
• Kentucky Department of Tourism
• GPS Specific Map of Kentucky Destinations (map)
• Energy & Environmental Data for Kentucky
• Kentucky State Facts from USDA
• Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit Archived February 11, 2021, at the Wayback Machine
• Kentucky Virtual Library
• U.S. Census Bureau Kentucky QuickFacts
• Kentucky at Ballotpedia
• Kentucky State Databases – Annotated list of searchable databases produced by Kentucky state agencies and compiled by the Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association.
• Geographic data related to Kentucky at OpenStreetMap

Preceded byVermont

List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union Admitted on June 1, 1792 (15th)

Succeeded byTennessee

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