Five Regions of Kentucky

Eastern Coal Field

Nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, this region is home to Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Falls, and the moonbow. The region gets its name from the coal that lies underground. Some cities include: Corbin, Harlan, Middlesboro, etc.

Bluegrass

The two largest cities in Kentucky, Lexington and Louisville, are in this region. The state capitol, Frankfort, is also in this region. The region gets its name from the grassy, rolling hills and large beautiful horse farms. Tobacco is the major crop. Some of the finest farmland in the state is in this region. The Kentucky Derby takes place in Louisville. The Kentucky River flows through the Kentucky River Gorge, a deep narrow valley, in this region.

Jackson Purchase

This region is named for a former president, Andrew Jackson, who helped our country take control of this piece of land. The Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers made people who lived in this area feel separated from the rest of Kentucky. This region is low and swampy and has some of the flattest land in Kentucky. It is for these reasons that it is perfect for growing crops, especially cotton. Paducah is the largest city here with buildings, factories, and railroad yards where many people work. Fulton County is the lowest point in the state at 257 above sea level.

Pennyroyal

This region is named for a mint plant, the "pennyrile" that pioneers found growing everywhere. It is the largest land region of the state. It touches all the other regions of Kentucky. Farmers grow apples, tobacco, and soybeans. They also raise dairy and beef cattle. Lake Cumberland, Mammoth Cave, and the Land Between the Lakes, are some area attractions.

Western Coal Field

This region is named for the huge amounts of coal that lie underground. This region is flatter than the Eastern part of the state. The Ohio River borders this region near Owensboro. There is an electric-generating plant in Paradise, a city in this region.