- **Date of Independence:** July 4, 1776 (not applicable - originally part of [[Virginia]]) - **Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]:** June 1, 1792 (15th state to join the Union) - **Population (2025):** 4.51 million - **GDP (2025):** $230 billion - **Largest City:** Louisville (630,000) - **State Capital:** Frankfort (29,000) - **Historical Note:** Known as the "Bluegrass State." Famous for Kentucky Derby, bourbon whiskey production, and coal mining. Birthplace of President [[Abraham Lincoln]]. Home to Fort Knox and the Kentucky Horse Park. Known for bluegrass music, fried chicken (KFC), and tobacco farming. Major agricultural producer.