1. On July 30, 1938, the Kentucky Department of Highways opened the Cumberland Parkway, a 96-mile transportation corridor that connected the cities of Middlesboro and Russell Springs. The parkway was part of a larger effort by the state to modernize its road infrastructure in the early 20th century.

2. In 1994, the Kentucky Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on July 30th that changed the state's workers' compensation system. The court held that a worker could be compensated for a cumulative trauma injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss, even if there was no specific incident or accident that caused the injury.

3. On July 30, 1956, the National Guard was called out to maintain order during protests by African American students in Louisville. The students were demanding an end to racial segregation in the city's parks and swimming pools. The demonstrations were part of a broader civil rights movement that sought to challenge Jim Crow laws and practices in the South.

4. On July 30, 1886, the Kentucky Derby winner, Ben Ali, was born in Versailles, Kentucky. Ben Ali was one of the most successful racehorses of his time, winning 34 races during his career. He was also one of the first racehorses to be trained at Churchill Downs, the famous racetrack in Louisville.

5. In 1813, the Battle of Thames took place on July 30th near present-day Chatham, Ontario, Canada. The battle was fought between British forces and a combined U.S. and Native American army led by General William Henry Harrison. The U.S. and Native American forces were victorious, and the battle marked a turning point in the War of 1812. Many Kentuckians, including future President Abraham Lincoln, fought in the battle.