State of Kentucky
Nicknames: The Bluegrass State
Motto(s): United we stand, divided we fall
Date of Statehood: June 1, 1792 (15th state)
State Song: “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster
Kentucky Flag History
The flag of Kentucky, adopted in 1918, is rich in symbolism and reflects the state’s heritage and values. The flag features the Commonwealth’s seal on a navy blue field, encircled by a wreath of goldenrod, the state flower. The seal depicts two friends embracing, representing unity and the state motto: “United we stand, divided we fall.” Above the seal is the Commonwealth’s name, “Kentucky,” and below it, the state’s floral emblem, the goldenrod.
The two men on the seal, a pioneer and a statesman, represent all the people. They are acting out the meaning of Kentucky’s motto: “United we stand, divided we fall.” The pioneer, representing the early settlers of Kentucky, and the statesman, representing all Kentuckians who have served their state and their nation, stand and work together.
The flag’s deep blue field is the same shade used in the flag of the United States, symbolizing Kentucky’s unity with the nation. The use of the goldenrod not only represents the state flower but also symbolizes the wealth of natural beauty and resources found within Kentucky. The Kentucky flag embodies the Commonwealth’s unity, its rich traditions, and its bountiful natural landscape.
Kentucky Quick Facts
Capital City: Frankfort
Abbreviation: KY
Population: Approximately 4.5 million
Region: Southeast, Appalachia
Origin of State Name: Either based on the Iroquoian word “Ken-tah-ten,” meaning “land of tomorrow,” or derived from various Native American languages meaning “meadow” or “prairie.”
Sports Teams: While Kentucky has no major professional sports teams, it has a significant presence in college basketball.
Bordering States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri
Area Codes: 270, 502, 606, 859
Highest Point: Black Mountain at 4,145 feet (1,263 meters)
Lowest Point: Mississippi River at 257 feet (78 meters)
Geography of Kentucky
Area: 40,408 square miles (104,656 square kilometers), 37th largest
Land: 39,486 square miles (102,269 square kilometers), 36th largest
Water: 921 square miles (2,387 square kilometers), 36th largest
Coastline: None (landlocked state)
Shoreline: None (landlocked state)
Largest Cities:
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
- Covington
- Richmond
- Georgetown
- Florence
- Hopkinsville
- Nicholasville
- Elizabethtown
- Henderson
- Jeffersontown
- Frankfort
- Paducah
National Parks:
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Kentucky State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Northern Cardinal
State Animal: Gray Squirrel
State Amphibian: None
State Butterfly: Viceroy Butterfly
State Fish: Kentucky Spotted Bass
State Flower: Goldenrod
State Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
State Insect: Honeybee
State Mammal: Gray Squirrel, Thoroughbred (horse)
State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Blackberry
State Gemstone: Freshwater Pearl
State Soil: Crider Soil Series
State Tree: Tulip Poplar
State Quarter: Issued in 2001 featuring a thoroughbred racehorse behind a fence and Bardstown mansion with Federal Hill
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Blue and Gold
State Dance: Clogging
State Food: None
State Fossil: Brachiopod
State Mineral: Coal
State Rock: Kentucky Agate