Kentucky Origins

Kentucky’s Bloodiest Day of the American Revolution

Learn about the brutal Battle of Blue Licks on August 19, 1782, where 72 of Kentucky’s 182 militia were killed in a surprise ambush. We spotlight the decisions, such as ignoring Daniel Boone’s caution, and cover how this tragic battle shaped early Kentucky’s settlement patterns and frontier defense strategy.

How Louisville Slugger Became America’s Most Iconic Baseball Bat

How did a 19th-century woodshop in Kentucky go from making furniture to creating the most iconic baseball bat in America? It all began with a teenager, a broken bat and a small favor—a favor so simple, you’d never guess it would change baseball forever. This is the legendary story of the Louisville Slugger.

7 Natural Wonders of Eastern Kentucky

Seven of the most unbelievable natural wonders are found in Eastern Kentucky. These are the places people mention when they talk about what the region has to offer. Some are well known, others you might have to work to find. But each one stands out for what it shows about this region’s landscape: its scale and history, and how it continues to draw people in.

The Bridge That Shouldn’t Exist

Before the Civil War, building a bridge across the Ohio River didn’t just sound like a challenge – it sounded impossible. The idea was opposed by businessmen, fought over by politicians, stalled by financial disaster and nearly killed by the Civil War. Yet, thanks to one man’s enduring vision, that “impossible” bridge was completed. It still stands today, with thousands traveling between Kentucky and Ohio daily. This is the story of the Roebling Suspension Bridge, an engineering milestone.

How Two Rivers Created Land Between the Lakes

Nestled between two Kentucky rivers is a landscape that didn’t exist before the mid-20th century. The dramatic landscape change began when the rivers were reshaped into Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. This protected area spans more than 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands and open land. It’s also home to managed herds of bison and elk. This narrow corridor has become one of the most biologically diverse regions in Kentucky.

The Frontier Town That Became the Horse Capital of the World

There’s a hidden creek under downtown Lexington—a creek that explains precisely why it was this frontier town that became the Horse Capital of the World, and not anywhere else. Long before Lexington had its reputation for thoroughbreds and bourbon, it was a small camp on the Kentucky frontier. Those early settlers had no way of knowing how the ground beneath their boots would shape the destiny of this land, its people and its horses.