1. In 1791, Lexington was officially established as a town by the Virginia General Assembly. It was named in honor of the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.

2. In 1862, during the Civil War, the Battle of Perryville was fought in Boyle County, Kentucky. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with over 7,500 casualties.

3. In 1928, the Kentucky State Fairgrounds were officially opened in Louisville. The fairgrounds have since become a major venue for events and festivals in the region.

4. In 1988, the Kentucky Derby Museum was opened in Louisville. The museum celebrates the history and culture of horse racing, including the famous Kentucky Derby.

5. In 2015, the Ark Encounter opened in Williamstown. The massive replica of Noah's Ark is one of Kentucky's top tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world.