1. In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War, visited Kentucky during his tour of the United States. He was welcomed with parades and speeches in Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort.

2. On August 4, 1917, the city of Louisville experienced one of its deadliest floods in history. Heavy rains caused the Ohio River to overflow, submerging large parts of the city and leading to the deaths of over 40 people.

3. In 1937, the Kentucky State Fairgrounds Speedway in Louisville hosted its first official race. The track, which is still used today for automobile racing events, was a popular venue during the mid-20th century for both local and national competitions.

4. On August 4, 1944, three African-American soldiers from Kentucky were tried and convicted in a racially-charged court martial for the murder of an Italian civilian during World War II. The case, known as the "Port Chicago 50," sparked national controversy and contributed to the desegregation of the U.S. military.

5. In 2015, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order allowing for the restoration of voting rights for certain nonviolent felons who had completed their sentences. The order, which affected thousands of people in the state, was hailed as a significant step in criminal justice reform efforts.