1. Kentucky became the 15th state in the United States on February 22, 1792. After being part of Virginia for more than two decades, Kentucky gained statehood and became its own entity.

2. The Kentucky Derby Festival began on February 22, 1956. The festival is a two-week-long celebration leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world.

3. On February 22, 1936, Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Monroe made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Known as the "Father of Bluegrass Music," Monroe was introduced to the Opry by Roy Acuff.

4. On February 22, 1902, African American inventor Granville T. Woods was granted a patent for an "Improved Steam-Boiler Furnace." Woods, who lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, was known for his inventions in the field of electrical engineering.

5. On February 22, 1819, the first steamboat to navigate the Codorus Creek arrived in York, Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna, which traveled from Baltimore, Maryland, was captained by Rufus Porter and carried a load of flour and passengers.