Kentucky Introduction

The Bluegrass State. Renowned for its bourbon and thoroughbreds. A horse lover's paradise enjoyed by all who revel in the beauty and majesty of these streamlined racing machines. Kentucky is home to more horse parks and horse museums than any other state. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington portrays the complete history of thoroughbred racing including either carriage or horseback rides for its visitors. Louisville is home of the Kentucky Derby (left). The country's oldest horse race whose history dates back over a century to the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. The Kentucky Derby is run each year on the first Saturday of May. East of this central bluegrass region are the rolling mountains of the Appalachians and Cumberland Gap. The Appalachian Mountain area is a land of dense green forests, cool mountain streams, and panoramic vistas. One of the few natural breaks through these mountains is located at Cumberland Gap. A pass that was used extensively by thousands of early frontier settlers heading West in the 1800s. The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park contains a museum and exhibits that provide a descriptive account of their journey. Southern Kentucky is the location of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave in the world and Kentucky's #1 tourist attraction. Its underground passages of gypsum and limestone extend for more than 340 miles! Above ground its dense forests contain 60 miles of hiking trails, canoeable waterways, and campgrounds. KY, entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park The foundation of Kentucky's economy is coal and tobacco. Kentucky ranks second in the production of coal (after Wyoming); and second in tobacco (after North Carolina). North Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia produce 70% of all the tobacco in the country. It is Kentucky's most valuable crop. Followed by bourbon, country music, and tourism. Kentucky produces 90% of the world's bourbon.

Kentucky is well known for its numerous outdoor recreational areas which include the Daniel Boone National Forest, Land Between the Lakes, Mammoth Cave National Park, and 50 State Parks (17 with camping facilities). Reservations at these state parks can be made by calling (800) 255-PARK.

	Kentucky The Kentucky quarter depicts the stately mansion, Federal Hill, with an inscription that reads, "My Old Kentucky Home." A thoroughbred racehorse is positioned behind a fence in the foreground of the quarter. Kentucky was the first state on the western frontier to join the Union and is one of four states to call itself a "commonwealth." Kentucky is home of the longest running annual horse race in the country, the Kentucky Derby. The famous Kentucky Bluegrass country is also grazing ground for some of the world's finest racehorses. Also featured on the new quarter is another prominent symbol of Kentucky, Federal Hill, which has become known as "My Old Kentucky Home." The design shows a side view of the famous Bardstown home where Stephen Foster wrote the state song, "My Old Kentucky Home."
SUBJECT:	DESCRIPTION:	US RANKING:

Population:	3.7 Million	24

Land Area:	40,000 sq mi	36

Highest Point:	Black Mt. (4,139 feet)	27
Largest City:	Louisville (0.98 Million)	61
Capital:	Frankfort	--