1. Boone's Station Massacre: On July 3, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, a group of Native Americans attacked and burned down Boone's Station, a fortification established by the famous Kentucky frontiersman Daniel Boone. Although the settlers were able to fend off the initial attack, a second wave of attackers succeeded in breaching the defenses, killing several people and capturing others, including Boone's daughter Jemima.

2. Statehood Day: July 3, 1792, is the day that Kentucky officially became the 15th state in the United States. The Kentucky Constitution was adopted the previous year, and the state's first governor, Isaac Shelby, was inaugurated on June 4, 1792. Kentucky's admission to the Union was, at the time, a significant step in the westward expansion of the young country.

3. The Great Fire of 1860: On July 3, 1860, a massive fire broke out in downtown Louisville, destroying many of the city's businesses and residences. The fire reportedly started in a carpentry shop and quickly spread, fueled by the dry conditions and wooden buildings. Firefighters from as far away as Cincinnati responded to the call for help, but were unable to save much of the city. Miraculously, only one person died in the blaze.

4. Horse Racing History: Famous racehorse Man o' War made his debut at Kenilworth Park in Windsor, Ontario, on July 3, 1919. The two-year-old colt won easily by six lengths, kicking off what would be a legendary career. Man o' War would go on to win 20 of his 21 career starts and set a number of records that still stand today. He is widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

5. Muhammad Ali's Birthday: July 3, 1942, is the day that Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born in Louisville. Ali, originally named Cassius Clay, won the Olympic gold medal in 1960 and went on to become the world heavyweight champion. He was also known for his activism and his outspokenness on a variety of political and social issues. Ali died in 2016 at the age of 74, but his legacy as a boxing icon and cultural figure lives on.