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Kentucky: State Flag, Bird and Facts

The northern cardinal is Kentucky's state bird, and goldenrod is its state flower.

Capital
Frankfort
Nickname
Bluegrass State
State bird
Northern cardinal
State flower
Goldenrod
State tree
Tulip poplar
Admitted
June 1, 1792
Population
4,505,836 (2020 census)
Mottos and slogans
United we stand, divided we fall; Deo gratiam habeamus
Region
South
Area
104,659 km² (40,409 sq mi)
Highest point
Black Mountain (4,139 ft)

About Kentucky

Officially a commonwealth, Kentucky was split off from Virginia and admitted as the fifteenth state in 1792. The Ohio River marks its northern edge, and seven states touch it in all. Frankfort is the capital, while Louisville is the largest city. The Bluegrass State name comes from Kentucky bluegrass, a grass that has long fed the thoroughbred horse business. Mammoth Cave holds the longest known cave system in the world.

The farm economy includes goats, beef cattle and corn, and Kentucky ranks fourth in cars and trucks assembled. The navy blue flag has the state seal in the center, with Commonwealth of Kentucky written above and sprigs of goldenrod below. On the seal, a pioneer and a statesman embrace to show unity. Art teacher Jesse Cox Burgess of Frankfort designed it, and it was adopted in 1918.

Did you know?

  • Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky at 4,139 feet.
  • The tulip poplar is the official state tree of Kentucky.
  • Kentucky has two official mottoes, one in English and one in Latin.

Questions about Kentucky

Who is on the Kentucky flag?

The seal shows a pioneer and a statesman embracing. Legend says they are Daniel Boone and Henry Clay, but officially they stand for all such figures.

When did Kentucky become a state?

Kentucky was admitted as the fifteenth state on June 1, 1792.

Other South states

Sources

Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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