1. Abraham Lincoln was born on January 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He would go on to become one of the most famous presidents in American history, guiding the country through the Civil War and signing the Emancipation Proclamation.

2. Kentucky officially became a state on June 1, 1792, but it wasn't until January 12, 1806, that the first Kentucky-born governor was elected. That governor was Christopher Greenup, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and a prominent lawyer in the state.

3. On January 12, 1971, Muhammad Ali made his return to the boxing ring after a 3-and-a-half-year absence due to his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. Ali fought against Joe Frazier in what became known as the "Fight of the Century" and lost in a unanimous decision.

4. The Kentucky Historical Society was founded on January 12, 1836, with the purpose of collecting, preserving, and sharing Kentucky's rich history. Today, it is a leading organization in the field of state history, with a museum, library, and research center.

5. On January 12, 1808, the steamboat New Orleans arrived in Louisville, marking the first time a steam-powered vessel had traveled up the Ohio River. This event helped to revolutionize transportation in the region and contributed to the economic growth of Louisville and other river towns.