Skip to Main Content

Kentucky: State Resource Guide

This guide provides access to digital materials related to the state of Kentucky at the Library of Congress, as well as links to external websites and a selected print bibliography.

Introduction

On June 1, 1792 Kentucky was admitted to the union as the 15th state and the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. The organization of state government took place three days later in a Lexington tavern. Isaac Shelby was appointed governor, and a committee was appointed to select a permanent site for the capital. Frankfort was chosen, and the General Assembly met for the first time on Nov. 1, 1793.

This guide compiles links to digital materials related to the state of Kentucky such as books, government documents, manuscripts, maps, motion pictures, photographs, sheet music, and sound recordings that are available throughout the Library of Congress website. In addition, it provides links to external websites focusing on Kentucky and a bibliography containing selected works for both general and younger readers.