Kentucky Facts

Symbols & Traditions

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Kentucky is one of four states to call itself a "commonwealth". In 1792, when Kentucky became the fifteenth state—the first on the Western frontier—both "commonwealth" and "state" were used. Commonwealth, meaning government based on the common consent of the people, dates to the time of Oliver Cromwell’s England in the mid 1600’s. The other U.S. commonwealths, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, were originally British colonies. Kentucky, once part of Virginia, chose to remain a commonwealth when it separated from Virginia.

Bluegrass State

Bluegrass is not really blue (it’s green) but in the spring, bluegrass produces bluish-purple buds that, when seen in large fields, give a rich blue cast to the grass. Early pioneers found bluegrass growing on Kentucky’s rich limestone soil, and traders began asking for the seed of the "blue grass from Kentucky". The name stuck and today Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State.

State Seal

The official insignia was authorized in 1792, six months after Kentucky became a state. The motto is believed to be from "The Liberty Song", popular during the American Revolution, and a favorite of Isaac Shelby, Kentucky’s first governor.

Kentucky Flag

The state seal imprinted on a field of navy blue was approved by the General Assembly in 1928. The original flag is displayed in Frankfort at the Kentucky History Center.

State Flower—Goldenrod

The golden plumes of this wildflower line Kentucky’s roadsides in the fall. Native to all of Kentucky, nearly 100 species if this herb are found here.

State Bird—Cardinal

The pleasant melodies of this red crested song bird are heard year round in Kentucky. The male boasts a vivid red plumage; the female is light brown with red highlights.

State Horse—Thoroughbred

The first thoroughbred was brought to Lexington in 1779, and a 1789 census showed even more horses than people. Horses are a multi-billion dollar industry in Kentucky. Central Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region has the world’s greatest concentration of thoroughbred breeding farms. More registered thoroughbred foals are produced here than in any other state—more than 10,000 were foaled in 2000.

State Wild Animal—Grey Squirrel

State Butterfly—Viceroy Butterfly

State Gemstone—Freshwater Pearl

State Fish—Kentucky Bass

State Fossil—Brachiopod

State Tree—Tulip Tree

Sometimes called the tulip poplar, it is not a poplar at all, but a member of the magnolia family. It can grow up to 145 feet and live for 200 years. It blossoms in May with yellow-green flowers resembling tulips.

State Song

"My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Collins Foster, 1853.

State Bluegrass Song

"Blue Moon of Kentucky" by Bill Monroe, 1947.