1. In 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States. The state was named after the Kentucky River, which was named by local Native American tribes and loosely translates to mean "meadowland."

2. On June 8, 1864, the Battle of Brice's Crossroads took place near Baldwyn, Mississippi. Although the battle occurred outside of Kentucky, many Kentuckians fought on both sides of the conflict, which was a significant event in the Civil War's Western Theater.

3. In 1939, the Kentucky Derby was broadcast on national television for the first time. The iconic horse race is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and is often referred to as the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

4. On June 8, 1968, a devastating tornado ripped through the town of Brandenburg, Kentucky, killing 6 people and injuring over 100 others. The tornado caused extensive damage to buildings and homes in the area, and is considered one of the deadliest tornadoes to strike the state.

5. In 1997, the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky celebrated its bicentennial. Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. The cave is home to a unique ecosystem of animals and microorganisms, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.