1. In 1861, Kentucky Governor Beriah Magoffin declared the state's neutrality in the Civil War. Despite his efforts, Kentucky ultimately became a battleground for both Union and Confederate forces.

2. In 1903, Kentucky's first public library, the Louisville Free Public Library, opened its doors. Today, the library has over 1 million items in its collection and serves over 3 million people annually.

3. In 1911, the infamous Newt Hopkins gang robbed a train in Crittenden County, Kentucky, making off with over $15,000 in cash and other valuables. The gang was eventually caught and brought to justice.

4. In 1939, legendary baseball player and Kentucky native Pee Wee Reese was named the National League's Most Valuable Player. Reese played for the Brooklyn Dodgers for 16 seasons and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.

5. In 2015, Kentucky elected its first Republican governor in over 40 years, with businessman Matt Bevin defeating incumbent Democrat Jack Conway. Bevin served a single term as governor before being defeated for reelection in 2019.