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Commonwealth of KentuckyKentucky is one of four states to call itself a "commonwealth." In 1792 when Kentucky became the 15th state—the first on the western frontier—both "commonwealth" and "state" were used. Commonwealth, meaning government based on the common consent of the people, dates to the time of Oliver Cromwell's England in the mid-1600s. The other U.S. commonwealths, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, were originally British colonies. Kentucky, once part of Virginia, chose to remain a commonwealth when it separated from Virginia. |
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Background music "Blue Moon of Kentucky" Arranged by Paul Kays
U.S. National Park Service