1. Kentucky became a state on June 1, 1792, but the first recorded celebration of New Year’s Day in the commonwealth was in 1795. The Lexington Gazette reported that citizens gathered at St. Asaph Street Church to ring in the new year.

2. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves held in states in rebellion – which included Kentucky – were to be freed. However, it wasn’t until December 18, 1865 that the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, officially ending slavery in Kentucky.

3. January 1, 1968, marked the opening of the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville, which includes multiple theaters and performance spaces. Over the years, the center has hosted acts ranging from classical music to rock concerts.

4. On January 1, 1990, a newly revised Kentucky Constitution went into effect, which included several changes to the state’s government structure. The new constitution eliminated the office of lieutenant governor, created a new position of “executive branch budget director,” and established an independent Ethics Commission, among other changes.

5. In 2020, January 1 marked the beginning of a new decade and a historic moment for the University of Kentucky football team. The Wildcats played in the Citrus Bowl for the first time since 1999, defeating Penn State 27-24 in a thrilling game.