A little race that took place back in 1875 has grown into the only event in the country to inspire millions of people to set aside two minutes every year on the first Saturday of May. That’s the Kentucky Derby, which also has sports fans everywhere joining their voices in singing “My Old Kentucky Home.” (And in spite of the lyrics bidding, “weep no more,” everyone does.) Unfamiliar with Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr.? It was this Paris, Kentucky, entrepreneur’s 1923 invention of the three-way traffic light that brought law and order to U.S. streets. Good thing! Because in 1953, the Corvette — now exclusively manufactured in Bowling Green — revved up Americans’ need for speed as America’s Sports Car hit the highway and harnessed the hearts of generations of drivers. As home to one of the first libraries west of the Appalachian Mountains, the first commercial winery in the U.S. and a claim to the first cheese-burger (in Louisville), Kentucky paved the way for an eager nation to enjoy books, burgers and wine. You’re welcome. The crack of a Louisville Slugger is the sound heard ’round the stadium in America’s ballparks. “Happy Birthday to You,” attributed to Louisville sisters, Patty and Mildred Hill, is the tune crooned in every home every year when the candles are lit. And “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” by Covington composer Haven Gillespie, lets everyone know it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Bringing even more joy to the world? The largest memorabilia collection from “White Christmas” at Augusta’s Rosemary Clooney House. Yes, the internationally acclaimed “girl singer” and star of everyone’s favorite holiday movie classic was born in Maysville and spent much of her last 20 years in Augusta. But she’s not the only Clooney to touch the nation. Chances are, you’ve heard of Rosemary’s brother, renowned broadcaster Nick Clooney, and seen a movie or two by her nephew, award-winning actor and filmmaker George Clooney. Blueberry muffins? It’s what’s for breakfast, thanks to Hopkinsville, aka the Batter Capital of the World and the food-mix manufacturing home of such globally recognizable products as Krusteaz muffin mixes. Hankering for a banana? Think about tiny Fulton, Kentucky, formerly the Banana Capital of the World because 70 percent of imported bananas were shipped through this town. Hosting a poker party? Grab your deck of U.S. Playing Cards. The company is based in Erlanger. Jot a reminder on a Post-It Note, manufactured at Cynthiana’s 3M plant. Buying a greeting card for Mom? It was Henderson’s Mary Towles Sasseen whose idea of celebrating moms helped spark a national holiday: Mother’s Day. Looking back over 250 years and moving forward into the future, through every season of life and living, Kentucky’s influence has and will leave its imprint on the story of America. Photos from top: Lincoln Memorial Sculpture, Louisville; Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Lexington kentuckytourism.com 5
The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide 2026: Page 5
