KENTUCKY
It is claimed that cheeseburgers were first served in 1934 at Kaolin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.
Henry Clay imported the first purebred Herefords to America in 1817.
Bibb lettuce was first cultivated in Kentucky by Jack Bibb in the late 19th century It is also called limestone lettuce, from the limestone in the Kentucky soil where it was first grown.
Bourbon whiskey is named for Bourbon County, Kentucky, where is was first made in the late 18th century.
The Trigg County Country Ham Festival
Trigg County, Kentucky, has been holding the festival every year since 1977. Each October, tens of thousands of people from all over the country come to sample the county's famous country cured hams.
The world's largest country ham and biscuit is made here each year as part of the festivities, and many contests are held, including the pig derby, a greased-pig catching contest, and a kiss a pig contest. Just hope it doesn't kiss back!
Library of Congress Local Legacies Project
The Tater Day Festival, which may be the world's only festival devoted to sweet potatoes, is held in Benton, Kentucky. The three-day Tater Day Festival had its beginnings in 1843. Farmers from the countryside would bring their products to the town square to sell or trade on county court days. One of the things they would bring is sweet potatoes, which grow well in the Southern climate. 'Tater' is a nickname for potato.
In Benton, this eventually turned into an annual festival honoring the sweet potato, complete with a parade, carnival, and baking and canning competitions, beginning on the first Monday in April.
Library of Congress Local Legacies Project
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