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Kentucky’s name originates from an Iroquois Indian word, "Ken-tah-ten", meaning "land of tomorrow".
While an apt name for the state’s future, Kentucky also claims an interesting past. Modern-day
Kentucky was inhabited in prehistory by the Paleo-Indian Culture, the Archaic Culture, the Woodland
culture, the Adena culture, the Mississippian culture, and the Fort Ancient culture. More modern
tribes such as the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Chickasaw tribes arrived around 1650 and fought for control
of the land.
Exploration by white settler began with the first surveying parties, which included Dr. Thomas
Walker and Christopher Gist. The French and Indian War in 1754 prevented much exploration from
continuing, until Daniel Boone arrived in 1767. James Harrod then built the first permanent
settlement in the region in 1774, known as Fort Harrod. This began an era of continued settlement.
Turbulence would continue between Native peoples and the new settlers until 1813. Kentucky was made
the 15th state in 1792.
Kentucky entered perhaps its greatest challenge during the Civil War, when it officially claimed
itself a neutral state. Many Kentuckians fought for opposing sides. Both the Union president Abraham
Lincoln and the Confederate president Jefferson Davis were born here. Because of its strategic
position, the state suffered many violent battles during the war.
Following the Civil War, Kentucky’s tobacco production became a valuable economic asset.
Eventually, Fort Knox became home to the U.S. Treasury Gold Vault. Following World War II, the state
economy became more industry based. Today, the state prides itself on the strength of economic and
cultural diversity.
Many famous people have called Kentucky home. Among these are singer Loretta Lynn, singer Crystal
Gayle, President Abraham Lincoln, actress Patricia Neal, poet Allen Tate, singer Rosemary Clooney,
scout Kit Carson, and boxer Muhammad Ali, to name a few.
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