1. Kentucky's first legal hanging took place on October 2, 1792. The convicted criminal, named Stephen Frank, was publicly executed in Bardstown. This event marked the beginning of capital punishment in the state of Kentucky.

2. On October 2, 1862, the Battle of Perryville was fought in central Kentucky. It was one of the bloodiest battles in Kentucky during the Civil War, with over 7,600 casualties. The Union army emerged victorious, preventing Confederate forces from advancing further into northern states.

3. Kentucky's first state flag was adopted on October 2, 1918. The design featured the state seal on a blue field with the words "Commonwealth of Kentucky" above it. It was later revised to include a goldenrod emblem and "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" below the seal.

4. On October 2, 1954, the Kentucky Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision in the case of Williams v. North Carolina. The ruling stated that evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures could not be used in state court proceedings, protecting citizens' Fourth Amendment rights.

5. In 2002, the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Horse Park was celebrated on October 2. The park is a major tourist attraction and world-class equestrian facility, showcasing the history and beauty of Kentucky's famed horse industry.