1. In 1861, the Civil War Battle of Big Bethel occurred in Virginia, which had a significant impact on Kentucky. Kentucky was a border state during the Civil War and its position allowed it to be a strategic location for both the Union and Confederate forces.
2. In 1937, the Ohio River flooded and caused widespread devastation in Kentucky and surrounding states. The flood remains one of the worst natural disasters in Kentucky's history to date.
3. In 1949, the Kentucky Derby was won by Ponder, ridden by jockey Steve Brooks. The race is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and is one of the state's most notable events.
4. In 1962, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team won their first national championship under coach Adolph Rupp. The Wildcats would go on to win a total of eight national championships throughout their history.
5. In 1986, the second largest earthquake in Kentucky's history, with a magnitude of 5.1, occurred near the town of Sharpsburg. The earthquake caused minor damage and no known injuries, but was felt throughout much of the state.