Kentucky: From "Kentucky County" to the "Bluegrass State"
The most immediate predecessor to Kentucky's statehood was its designation as Kentucky County. In 1776, the Virginia General Assembly established Kentucky County, carving it out of the vast western territory of Fincastle County. This administrative division was essential to Kentucky's eventual independence from Virginia.
Native American Names
Long before European arrival, the land was home to many Native American tribes, each with unique names for the region. While there is no single overarching Native American name for the entire state, different tribes had designations for specific areas or landmarks. For example, the Shawnee referred to the area around present-day Lexington as "Eskippakithiki", meaning "place of blue licks," due to the salt licks found there. Other tribes, like the Cherokee and Chickasaw, also had their own names for various parts of the land.
Nicknames before Statehood:
"The Dark and Bloody Ground"
This evocative nickname reflects the violent conflicts that frequently occurred in the region, both between Native American tribes and between Native Americans and European settlers. The struggle for control over the land and the dangers of frontier life contributed to this somewhat ominous moniker.
"Kaintuckee"
This early spelling variation of "Kentucky" derives from the Iroquois word "Kentake," which is thought to mean "land of tomorrow" or "meadowland." The name likely reflects the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
The evolution of Kentucky's name from "Kentucky County" to its official statehood designation highlights the complex history of this region. From its Native American roots to its time as a contested frontier territory, Kentucky's various names offer insights into its past. Today, the state is proudly known as the "Bluegrass State," referencing the lush bluegrass pastures that dot its landscape. This nickname, along with the official name "Kentucky," serves as a reminder of the state's natural beauty and its unique place in American history.