Kentucky
About Kentucky
Located in the East South Central region of the United States, the official name of the state of Kentucky is the 'Commonwealth of Kentucky'. The state was initially a part of Virginia and was the 15th state to join the Union. The state has a rank of 37 in terms of total area and 26 in terms of population. The state has 5 primary regions -Cumberland Plateau, Bluegrass Region, Pennyroyal Plateau, Western Coal Fields and Jackson Purchase.
State Nickname
Known as the Bluegrass state, Kentucky is not really blue through the year but green. It is only during the spring that the bluegrass produces the bluish purple buds that can be seen covering the fields.
Climage Summary
The state has a subtropical humid climate. Daytime temperatures at an average can range between 87 degree Fahrenheit in summers and 23 degree Fahrenheit in winters. The annual rainfall throughout the year is about 46 inches. Being a subtropical climate the state experiences all 4 distinct seasons of the year.
State Tax Situation
The state has 6 tax brackets and the specific tax levied ranges between 2 percent and 6 percent based on the overall income. The sales tax levied in Kentucky is 6 percent. All property is taxed with a property tax on an annual basis unless exempted specifically by the Constitution.
Government Summary
Kentucky is one of the 4 states in the United States that uses the term Commonwealth. It is also one of the 5 states that elect it government officials during odd numbered years. As in the case of most states Kentucky also has an Executive Branch, Legislative Branch and Judicial Branch.
State Seal
Adopted in 1792, about 6 months after Kentucky was declared as a state of the United States, the seal shows 2 men facing each other and holding hands. One of the men is in a formal dress while the other is in buckskin indicating that the state believes in brotherhood and standing united at all times.
Motto & Description
The motto of the state is ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. It appears on the state flag as well as the state seal. In 2002, the state also adopted a Latin motto ‘Deo gratiam habeamus’ that means ‘Let us be grateful to God’. This motto appears in the preamble of the constitution of the commonwealth of Kentucky.
State Flag
The Kentucky state flag is a navy blue background with the state seal. The two people on the flag represent the pioneer and the statesman in order to represent all the people of the state. While the words ‘Common wealth of Kentucky’ appear on the top in a circular manner, the wreath at the bottom is golden and green in color.
State Bird
The Kentucky Cardinal or the red bird as it is often called is the state bird of Kentucky. The bird was chosen due to the fact that it is a resident of the state. These songbirds have a thick, reddish orange cone shaped bill with long tails. They also have a unique crest of feathers on the top of their heads.
State Flower
The Goldenrod is said to be the state flower of Kentucky. Come fall and the golden colors of this flower line all the roads of the state. About 30 out of the estimated 100 species of this plant are found in this state.
State Animal
The Gray Squirrel is said to be the state animal for Kentucky. These animals can be found as tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels as well. These animals are omnivorous in nature and consume plants and meat too. They are hunted by weasels, foxes, hawks, eagles and bear.
State Song and Description
The state song of Kentucky ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ was written by Stephen C. Foster. He also gave the music for the song. The song speaks about life on a slave plantation while talking about a happy and prosperous Kentucky Home.
State Colors
While there is some debate about the state color for Kentucky in terms of official adoption of the same, the state color for Kentucky can be assumed to be Navy Blue based on the flag and the Bluegrass plant that it is so known for.