1. Kentucky achieved statehood on December 29, 1792. Originally part of Virginia, Kentucky was established as a separate state after years of territorial disputes with Virginia and other surrounding states.

2. On December 29, 1845, Kentucky's first railroad, the Lexington and Ohio Railroad, began operation. The railroad played a significant role in the state's economic development as it allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods and people.

3. In 1862, on December 29, the Battle of Parker's Crossroads took place in West Tennessee, just across the Kentucky state line. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his troops attacked a Union supply convoy, resulting in a battle that lasted for several hours.

4. Kentucky's largest recorded earthquake occurred on December 29, 1811. With a magnitude of 8.0, the earthquake was felt as far away as Canada and caused damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the state.

5. On December 29, 1978, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Duke Blue Devils in a thrilling and controversial college basketball game. The game, which ended with a last-second shot by Kentucky's Kyle Macy, is remembered for a technical foul called against Duke's Jim Spanarkel that many felt was unwarranted.