1. Kentucky Governor Desha Died: On September 15, 1842, Joseph Desha, the sixth governor of Kentucky, passed away in Georgetown. Desha was known for his efforts to reduce government spending and regulations during his time in office from 1824 to 1828.

2. Pioneering Aviator Born: On September 15, 1895, Logan County native Wendell H. Ford was born. Ford would go on to become an accomplished aviator, earning multiple awards for his aerial feats. He later served as both a US senator and governor of Kentucky.

3. UK's First African American Graduate: In 1952, Lyman T. Johnson became the first African American to graduate from the University of Kentucky's College of Law. Johnson's fight for desegregation of the university's undergraduate programs was a landmark case in Kentucky's civil rights movement.

4. Fires Ravage Kentucky: September 15, 1988, was a particularly devastating day for Kentucky's natural landscapes. Multiple wildfires broke out across the state, burning thousands of acres of forest and damaging several homes.

5. Festival Celebrates Appalachian Culture: Since 1967, the annual Mountain Heritage Festival has been held in Harlan County each September. The festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Appalachian region with live music, food vendors, and craft demonstrations.