1. In 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state admitted to the United States.

2. On May 8, 1861, Confederate forces captured Paducah, Kentucky, although Union troops would soon regain control.

3. In 1877, the Kentucky Derby was held on May 8 for the first time. The race has since become a beloved tradition in the state and is known as the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

4. On May 8, 1937, the Hindenburg disaster occurred, which affected Kentucky in a unique way. One of the survivors of the tragedy was Werner Franz, a cabin boy on the airship who later moved to Kentucky and lived there until his death in 2014.

5. In 2006, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was officially launched with the goal of promoting the state's thriving bourbon industry. The trail features a number of bourbon distilleries across the state and has become a popular destination for tourists interested in the history and culture of Kentucky's signature drink.