9781422286074

K entucky was once considered the Far West. Early pio- neers discovered a rough, forested land full of wild ani- mals and unpredictable Native Americans. Settlers had to grow their own food, make their own tools, and settle their own disputes. They valued hard work and independence. When the Civil War came, each Kentuckian felt free to make up his or her own mind about whether to support the North or the South. Families were torn apart by differing loyalties. Today Kentucky is no longer wild, isolated, or divided. Roads crisscross the state bringing tourists to enjoy the beauty of the Kentucky

Cumberland Mountains and admire the horse farms of the Bluegrass Region. Coal mined in the state and goods made in Kentucky fac- tories are shipped around the world. Buyers from many countries come to the state to buy Thoroughbred racehorses. But the citizens of Kentucky still put a high value on independence, self- reliance, and the right to make their own decisions.

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