1. In 1785, the first recorded horse race in Kentucky took place in Lexington. The race was held between two horses, one owned by Col. John Erwin and the other owned by Col. Samuel McDowell.

2. On October 26, 1795, Daniel Boone was awarded a land grant of 8,859 acres in present-day Clark County, Kentucky.

3. In 1861, the Battle of Camp Wildcat took place in Laurel County, Kentucky during the Civil War. Union forces, led by Brig. Gen. Albin F. Schoepf, defeated Confederate forces, securing Kentucky for the Union.

4. The University of Louisville was founded on October 26, 1798, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States.

5. Famous Kentucky author, Jesse Stuart, was born on October 26, 1906, in Greenup County, Kentucky. Stuart wrote more than 60 books during his lifetime, including his most famous work, "Taps for Private Tussie."