Kentucky

In the months leading up to the 1971 Kentucky Derby, Canonero II was an unknown horse with a Venezuelan trainer who spoke only Spanish.

The Derby ""experts"" laughed when an exercise boy rode the horse out on the track with no saddle or stirrups. But the laughter promptly ended when Canonero II charged to the front from twenty lengths back to win the Derby, followed by a victory at the Preakness Stakes in track record time. In recounting Canonero II's quest to become the first Triple Crown winner since Citation, award-winning turf historian Milt Toby tells the compelling story of how one man's wildly improbable dream became the dream of a nation and how a bargain-basement yearling born with a crooked front leg became the ""people's horse.""

Few high school football programs can match the success of Highlands. Having captured 17 state championships since 1960, the school ranks fifth in total wins among all high schools in the United States. The program has produced many outstanding college and professional players, including Jared Lorenzen of the New York Giants and Rob Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs. Legendary coach Homer Rice led Highlands to its first state championships in 1960 and 1961 before going on to coach Rice University and the Cincinnati Bengals. Fort Thomas Highlands Football highlights the program through the 2007 championship season and pays tribute to the teams and players since 1915.

Since Cynthiana's founding along the South Fork of the Licking River in the late 1700s, its residents have exemplified the pioneering spirit befitting the "Maiden City" of Harrison County. This county seat claims an exciting spot in Central Kentucky history and a colorful time line dotted by events, including two Civil War battles, the city's early growth as an agricultural and marketing center, and later, its role as the industrial heart of the county. From schools and sports to large and small businesses, from houses of faith to family farms, Images of America: Cynthiana turns the page on time to capture history through the photographic memories of residents who cherished community.

This fascinating photographic history tells the story of Campbellsville, a town in Taylor county with a rich history.

Taylor County became the 100th county in the commonwealth of Kentucky when it was created on March 1, 1848. The county was named after Zachary Taylor, who gained fame as a general in the Mexican War and eventually became president of the United States. The town of Campbellsville, founded in 1817, was selected to serve as the county's seat of government. Throughout its history, the growth of Campbellsville and Taylor County has been marked by both boom periods and years of severe trials and tribulations. Despite the difficulties faced by the residents of Taylor County, its citizens have always shown admirable grit and determination in improving the circumstances of their families and community. Today the county features a diversified economic base that serves a population of 24,069. Of that number, 11,010 reside within Campbellsville's borders.

Images of America: Garrard County in World War II depicts the citizens of a small, rural central Kentucky county who served their nation in war-torn areas worldwide and on the home front. Images courtesy of veterans and their families show the sacrifices made and honor those who served. With photographs of all branches of the armed services, the county's war story is told in representative vignettes at numerous fronts. Through interviews, news accounts, and letters, many veterans' stories of courage, humor, and despair come to life. Here at home, patriotic efforts began in 1940 when school children made "bundles for Britain" and continued throughout the war years with residents sacrificing at home to spend every available dime on war bonds. In fact, in 1943, Garrard Countians bought more bonds per capita than citizens in any other Kentucky county. To reward their patriotism and sacrifice, in March 1945, the government commissioned the USS Garrard, an attack transport ship. A member of the crew donated to the county's historical society photos of the ship and his diary. Survivors of the USS Garrard held a reunion here in 2002.

Postcard History Series: Hopkins County portrays the fantastic history of its cities, including Dawson Springs, as unveiled through postcards of the lavish hotels and businesses that once brought thousands of people across the nation to sample the healing water from the wells of the city in the early 1900s. Showcased are glimpses of the coal mining industry, downtown memories, institutions, and leisure activities in Earlington, Madisonville, Nebo, Hanson, Mortons Gap, and St. Charles. This book also includes information about two different businesses that were contracted by the government of the United States of America; one received an order for two million units of cigars and other visited the White House annually with a truckload of trees from Hopkins County.

Nasrullah arrived in Kentucky in 1950 and forever changed the modern American thoroughbred.

Bred in royalty by the Aga Kahn, Nasrullah's journey from Europe to America was one of glorious victories and grand potential. He was the first horse to lead both the American and English sire lists, which led to a legendary line of descendants that includes nine U.S. champions, three Hall of Famers and ninety-eight stake winners like Bold Ruler, Noor and Nashua. Nasrullah is even grandsire of the famed Secretariat. Ride along with author Melanie Greene as she recounts the compelling history of a truly remarkable horse that is sure to take any equestrian fan beyond the bluegrass.

Dedicated exclusively to the oldest town in Kentucky, Postcard History Series: Harrodsburg and Mercer County presents what Fort Harrod looked like when it was established in 1775. High Bridge, spanning the Kentucky River between Mercer and Jessamine Counties and only miles from Shakertown, was an engineering wonder of its age. As the highest railroad bridge in the world at the time, it was the subject of hundreds of postcards. Summer visitors came from all over the country to enjoy Harrodsburg's Graham Springs Resort, known as the "Saratoga of the West." Views of nearby Dix Dam and Herrington Lake were made into postcards for vacationers to send to their friends and family.