1. In 1792, Kentucky was officially admitted as a state to the United States of America on July 5th. The state became the 15th to join the Union.

2. In 1864, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan made his last raid in Kentucky during the Civil War. He led a raid across central Kentucky that ended in defeat at the Battle of Cynthiana on July 12th.

3. In 1928, the infamous "Night Rider" tobacco farmers were acquitted of charges of murder and conspiracy in Hopkinsville. The trial, which brought national attention to the growing tension between farmers and tobacco companies, began on July 5th.

4. In 1944, an explosion occurred at the South Louisville TNT plant, killing eight workers and injuring dozens more. The explosion was heard as far as 20 miles away and resulted in a massive fire that burned for hours.

5. In 1950, the famous thoroughbred racehorse Citation won the American Derby at Arlington Park, setting a new track record of 1:59.2 for 1 1/4 miles. Citation went on to win the Triple Crown that same year, becoming one of the greatest racehorses in American history.