The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a U.S. state located in the SouthernUnited States, although it is sometimes included, geographically, in the Midwest. In 1792, it became the fifteenth state to join the union. Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State", a nickname based on the fact that bluegrass is present in much of the lawns and pastures throughout the state. Kentucky is well known for thoroughbred horses, horse racing, local bourbonwhisky distilleries, bluegrass music and college basketball.