Symbols & Traditions
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky is one of four states to call itself a "commonwealth." In 1792 when Kentucky became the 15th state - the first on the western frontier - both "commonwealth" and "state" were used. Commonwealth, meaning government based on the common consent of the people, dates to the time of Oliver Cromwell's England in the mid-1600s. The other U.S. commonwealths, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, were originally British colonies. Kentucky, once part of Virginia, chose to remain a commonwealth when it separated from Virginia.
Bluegrass State
Bluegrass is not really blue - it's green - but in the spring, bluegrass produces bluish-purple buds that, when seen in large fields, give a rich blue cast to the grass. Early pioneers found bluegrass growing on Kentucky's rich limestone soil and traders began asking for the seed of the "blue grass from Kentucky." The name stuck and today Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State.
State Seal
The official insignia was authorized in 1792, six months after Kentucky became a state. The motto is believed to be from "The Liberty Song," popular during the American Revolution, and a favorite of Isaac Shelby, Kentucky's first governor.
Kentucky Flag
The state seal imprinted on a field of navy blue was approved by the General Assembly in 1928. The original flag is displayed in Frankfort at the Kentucky History Center.
State Flower - Goldenrod
The golden plumes of this wildflower line Kentucky's roadsides in the fall. Native to all of Kentucky, 30 of nearly 100 species of this herb are found here.
State Bird - Cardinal
The pleasant melodies of this red crested song bird are heard year round in Kentucky. The male boasts a vivid red plumage; the female is light brown with red highlights.
State Horse - Thoroughbred
The first thoroughbred was brought to Lexington in 1779, and a 1789 census showed even more horses than people. Horses are a multibillion dollar industry in Kentucky. Central Kentucky's bluegrass region has the world's greatest concentration of thoroughbred breeding farms. More registered thoroughbred foals are produced here than any other state - more than 10,000 were foaled in 2000.
State Wild Animal - Grey Squirrel
State Butterfly - Viceroy Butterfly
State Fish - Kentucky Bass
State Gemstone - Fresh Water Pearl
State Fossil - Brachiopod
State Tree - Tulip Tree
Sometimes called the tulip poplar, it is not a poplar at all, but a member of the magnolia family. It can grow up to 145 feet and live for 200 years. It blossoms in May with yellow-green flowers resembling tulips.
State Song - "My Old Kentucky Home" Stephen Collins Foster - 1853.
State Bluegrass Song - "Blue Moon of Kentucky" Bill Monroe - copyright 1947.