Last update images today Kentuckys Location: A UserFriendly Guide
Kentucky's Location: A User-Friendly Guide
Kentucky: Finding the Bluegrass State on the US Map
Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, is more than just beautiful horses and bourbon. Knowing its geographical location is fundamental to understanding its culture, climate, and history. But where exactly is Kentucky on the US map? Let's explore!
Where is Kentucky on the US Map? Region and Neighbors
*Caption: A map highlighting Kentucky's location within the United States.*
Kentucky is located in the Southeastern region of the United States. More specifically, it resides in the East South Central division of the US Census Bureau. Think of it as being roughly in the middle of the eastern half of the country, but leaning towards the south.
Its neighbors are important for understanding Kentucky's regional identity. Kentucky shares borders with seven other states:
- North: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
- East: West Virginia, Virginia
- South: Tennessee
- West: Missouri
This central location has historically made Kentucky a crossroads for trade and transportation.
Where is Kentucky on the US Map? Latitude and Longitude
For the geographically inclined, Kentucky is located approximately between:
- Latitude: 36?30? N to 39?15? N
- Longitude: 81?58? W to 89?38? W
While pinpointing a state's exact center using latitude and longitude is less common for general knowledge, these coordinates give a precise understanding of Kentucky's position on the globe.
Where is Kentucky on the US Map? Key Geographical Features
*Caption: A physical map showcasing Kentucky's diverse terrain.*
Kentucky's location influences its landscape. The state boasts a diverse geography, including:
- Appalachian Mountains: Eastern Kentucky is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, providing rugged terrain and stunning scenery.
- Bluegrass Region: Central Kentucky is known for its rolling hills, fertile soil, and horse farms - the heart of the Bluegrass Region.
- Western Coal Field: This area is a significant source of coal and features a mix of flatlands and gently rolling hills.
- Mississippi Embayment: The far western tip of Kentucky, near the Mississippi River, is part of the Mississippi Embayment, characterized by low-lying, alluvial plains.
- Mammoth Cave: Kentucky is home to the world's longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park, a testament to the state's unique geological features.
Its position also means Kentucky experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are generally mild with occasional snowfall.
Where is Kentucky on the US Map? Major Cities and Their Locations
Understanding where major cities are situated within Kentucky further clarifies its geography:
- Louisville: Located in northern Kentucky, on the Ohio River, Louisville is the state's largest city and a major transportation hub. It's known for the Kentucky Derby and its vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Lexington: Situated in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, Lexington is renowned for its horse farms and the University of Kentucky.
- Bowling Green: Located in south-central Kentucky, Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University and the National Corvette Museum.
- Owensboro: Situated on the Ohio River in western Kentucky, Owensboro is a regional center for agriculture and manufacturing.
These cities are strategically located based on access to resources, transportation routes, and historical development.
Where is Kentucky on the US Map? Why Location Matters
Kentucky's location has played a crucial role in its history, economy, and culture:
- Transportation Hub: Its central location made it a vital transportation corridor for westward expansion and trade.
- Agriculture: The fertile soil of the Bluegrass Region has fostered a thriving agricultural industry, particularly horse breeding and tobacco farming (though tobacco is declining).
- Bourbon Production: Kentucky's climate and water sources are ideal for bourbon production, making it the "Bourbon Capital of the World."
- Cultural Influences: Being bordered by both Southern and Midwestern states has created a unique blend of cultural influences in Kentucky.
Kentucky and Celebrities
While Kentucky is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture, it's also the birthplace of several notable celebrities, including:
- Jennifer Lawrence: Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Jennifer Lawrence is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Hunger Games series and Silver Linings Playbook.
Biography: Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Shrader Lawrence (born August 15, 1990) is an American actress. She was the world's highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016, with her films grossing over $6 billion worldwide to date. Lawrence appeared in Time's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2013 and in Forbes' Celebrity 100 list from 2013 to 2016.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Lawrence began her acting career in television. She starred in the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show (2007-2009) and had early film roles in The Burning Plain (2008) and Winter's Bone (2010), the latter of which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
At age 22, Lawrence won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Satellite Award and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for her performance as a young widow with a personality disorder in the romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook (2012), making her the second-youngest winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress. Lawrence is also known for playing Mystique in the X-Men film series (2011-2019) and Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games film series (2012-2015). She received further Academy Award nominations for playing con artist Rosalyn Rosenfeld in American Hustle (2013) and businesswoman Joy Mangano in Joy (2015).
Lawrence is an outspoken feminist advocate. In 2015, she wrote an essay for Lena Dunham's newsletter Lenny Letter, in which she criticized the gender pay gap in Hollywood. She has also been a vocal advocate for Planned Parenthood.
In Conclusion
Kentucky's location in the Southeastern United States, bordered by seven states and boasting diverse geographical features, has profoundly shaped its identity. From its role as a transportation hub to its thriving agricultural and bourbon industries, Kentucky's place on the map is essential to understanding its rich history and culture.
Q&A Summary
- Question: Where is Kentucky on the US map?
- Answer: Southeastern United States, bordered by seven states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri).
Keywords: Kentucky, US Map, Location, Geography, Southeastern US, Bluegrass State, Louisville, Lexington, Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky Derby, Bourbon, Jennifer Lawrence.