Daniel Boone
Painting by Chester Harding
Daniel Boone was hired in 1775 to cut the Wilderness Road. The road connected Virginia via the Cumberland Gap to Kentucky. The trail was rough and rocky; settlers walked the trail or rode horses. In 1790 the road was improved so that wagons could travel on it. Children can learn more about the Wilderness Road at: Daniel Boone.
Kentucky Derby Day is today. Also called The Run for the Roses, the Derby began in 1875. The track is 1.25 miles long, and the race lasts about two minutes. The race takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May. Children can learn more at: Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Flag
Kentucky became the fifteenth state of the United States in 1792. It probably got its name from either the Iroquois word Kenta-ke, meaning meadowland, or the Wyandot word Kah-ten-tah-teh, meaning land of tomorrow. Its state song is “My Old Kentucky Home.” Kentucky ranks 37th in area and 25th in population compared to all the states. Tourist attractions include Mammoth Cave National Park. Frankfort is the capital, and Louisville is the largest city. Children could visit an internet site at: Kentucky.
The Frozen Niagara, inside Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park was created in 1941. Located in central Kentucky, the park encompasses almost 53,000 acres. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. More than 400 miles of cave trails have been mapped. Children could visit the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/maca.