1. In 1861, Kentucky officially declared neutrality in the Civil War. However, this neutrality was short-lived as Union troops occupied the state's capital, Frankfort, just three months later.

2. In 1935, legendary basketball coach Adolph Rupp began his tenure at the University of Kentucky. Over the next 41 years, Rupp would lead the Wildcats to four national championships and become one of the most successful basketball coaches in history.

3. On December 10, 1845, the Kentucky Legislature officially approved the building of a new state capitol building in Frankfort. The building, which still stands today, was completed in 1910 after several delays and controversies.

4. In 1974, Kentucky became the first state to implement a statewide no-fault automobile insurance program. This program aimed to reduce the number of lawsuits and lower insurance premiums for drivers.

5. On December 10, 1817, the first issue of the "Western Citizen" newspaper was published in Paris, Kentucky. The paper, which ran for over a decade, covered local and national news and was known for its outspoken editorials on political issues.