Kentucky is home to more farms per square mile than any other state in the nation. The "Golden Triangle" (centered on Lexington) and "Tri Cities Region" are the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the state.
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After the Revolutionary War, settlers poured down Kentucky’s rivers founding towns along the way. By 1790 it was admitted into the union as its statehood was granted. The first half of the 19th century proved to be disconcerting as the question of slavery was unresolved as the slave traders were at odds with the proslavery forces in powerful government positions. The Civil War completely divided the state as it was the birthplace of both presidents. Abraham Lincoln was born near Hodgenville and Jefferson Davis was born in Fairview. After the war, Kentucky became strongly pro-South in sentiment.
Railroads and tobacco farming stirred the economy in the latter part of the 19th century then gave way to coal mining from the 1900s through the 1940s. Coal mines became depleted which led to strip mining which further eroded the natural land contours. In 1966 a law was passed to greatly limit strip mining and ensure reforestation and restoration of natural resources.
Although tobacco is the most valuable monetary business, the most prestigious are horses and whiskey. Thoroughbreds thrive in the Bluegrass Country while the world’s mellowest bourbons are distilled at Bardstown, Clermont, Frankfort and Lotetto among others. Western Kentucky produces two-thirds of the nation’s burley tobacco. Livestock, dairy, soybeans and corn are the leading sources of agricultural income.
Kentucky’s statewide sales tax is 6 percent. Local options allow lodgings taxes up to 5 percent and restaurant taxes up to 3 percent.
Boating, fishing and swimming opportunities are abundant on the 300 plus miles of undeveloped shoreline in Kentucky. Scuba diving, water skiing and fishing are popular on Cumberland and Dale Hollow lakes. The state park system offers recreational activities including golfing, camping, tennis and hiking. The largest spectator sport there is, what else, horse racing, with the Kentucky Derby each May drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
