1. Kentucky Becomes a State - On July 2, 1792, Kentucky officially became a state, making it the 15th state to join the Union.

2. John Hunt Morgan Surrenders - On July 2, 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan surrendered to Union forces in Salineville, Ohio, effectively ending his famous raid through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

3. Bluegrass Music Festival - The Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Festival, named after the "Father of Bluegrass" himself, takes place annually in Bean Blossom, Indiana, on or around July 2.

4. The Great Flood of 1937 - In January and February of 1937, the Ohio River and its tributaries experienced one of the worst floods in history. The flood reached its peak on July 2, causing extensive damage and loss of life in Kentucky and other states.

5. UFO Sighting - On July 2, 1948, a pilot named Captain Mantell died while pursuing an unidentified flying object over Franklin, Kentucky. This incident is still a subject of debate and speculation in UFO circles.