1. On July 21, 1795, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the Union. The state was originally part of Virginia until it became a separate entity in 1792. Today, Kentucky is known for its horse racing, bourbon, and fried chicken.

2. One of the most famous events in Kentucky's history occurred on July 21, 1861, when Union troops under Brigadier General Thomas Crittenden were defeated at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia. The battle marked the first major engagement of the Civil War and demonstrated the challenges faced by the Union in fighting a protracted conflict.

3. On July 21, 1922, the Ohio River Flood of 1922 finally receded in Kentucky after devastating the region for weeks. The flood was the result of heavy rains in Pittsburgh and other areas, which caused the Ohio River to rise to record levels. The flood displaced tens of thousands of people and caused billions of dollars in damage.

4. Kentucky native and baseball legend Pee Wee Reese was born on July 21, 1918. Reese played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1940 to 1958 and was a 10-time All-Star. He was also known for his support of teammate Jackie Robinson during Robinson's groundbreaking rookie season in 1947.

5. On July 21, 2005, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher declared a state of emergency after severe weather caused widespread flooding and landslides. The flooding caused several deaths and prompted evacuations across the state. The disaster was one of the worst in Kentucky's history and led to significant rebuilding and recovery efforts.