1. Kentucky officially became a state on June 1, 1792, but it wasn’t until June 2 that the state’s first governor, Isaac Shelby, was inaugurated. Shelby served as governor for four consecutive terms and led Kentucky during some of its most significant early developments, including the state’s participation in the War of 1812.

2. On June 2, 1861, Kentucky declared its neutrality in the Civil War, which had just begun. The decision was controversial, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers in the state hoping to gain its support. Despite this declaration of neutrality, Kentucky ultimately sided with the Union after Confederate troops made incursions into the state.

3. June 2, 1927, marks the day that the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali, who was originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., went on to become one of the most famous and successful boxers of all time, winning multiple world titles and earning widespread admiration for his athletic prowess and social activism.

4. In 1953, on June 2, a devastating tornado touched down in northern Kentucky, killing 16 people and causing significant damage to homes and businesses. The twister, which measured F4 on the Fujita scale, had wind speeds of up to 250 miles per hour and left a path of destruction that stretched for miles.

5. On June 2, 1996, the first Kentucky Mule Festival was held in the town of Harrodsburg. The festival celebrates the famous cocktail made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, and includes live music, food vendors, and mule rides. The festival has become a popular annual event, drawing visitors from around the state and beyond.