Gilbertsville Live Cam

Tobacco has always been important to the Kentucky economy and Kentucky has been the nation's major Burley-producing state for over a century. Widespread cultivation of Burley originated when two southern Ohio farmers discovered some tobacco plants that were slightly deficient in green coloring. Just three years later this new "white burley" won first and second prizes at the St. Louis Fair in 1867. This new variety could be harvested and cured more rapidly than the older tobacco varieties and thus could be brought to market earlier. Consequently, white burley production spread rapidly, especially in the Bluegrass region.

Now produced throughout Kentucky, Burley tobacco makes up about 18 percent of the volume of tobacco in blended cigarettes of American manufacture and is a significant Kentucky export. Burley is officially classified by the U.S.D.A. as a light, air-cured tobacco. Although Burley is king in Kentucky, significant quantities of other types of tobacco are also produced: Eastern district fire-cured; Western district fire-cured; One Sucker, a dark, air-cured tobacco; and Green River, a dark, air-cured tobacco grown only in western Kentucky near Owensboro.

Kentucky Bluegrass - Varieties of bluegrass grow as far north as the Artic Circle. Reports exist that the pioneers found it growing in Kentucky when they crossed the Appalachian Mountains. Gradually, the bluegrass seed industry grew in Kentucky as traders asked for seed for some of the "bluegrass from Kentucky" and the name Kentucky bluegrass was born.

Handcrafts - Kentucky is synonymous with the word "craft". In the state's early history, quilts, baskets, pottery, furniture, metal tools, wooden utensils, and other handmade goods were essential to everyday living. Coupled with a sensititity to "Made in America" products, these same crafts are collectible and admired for their beauty, technical achievement, and individuality. This long-standing craft tradition has supported Kentucky's reputation as a state known for quality crafts and has given impetus to a marketing effort that is unmatched in the country. The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a state government agency which develops and promotes Kentucky's craft industry, is nationally recognized and is used as a model by other states.

Kentucky crafts, once sold at church bazaars, flea markets, or souvenir stands are now available in museums, galleries and retail shops around the world. Many shops, galleries, and museums throughout the state feature and sell Kentucky crafts. Kentucky craftspeople can be found working in their shops or studios, many of which are located in their homes. Berea, identified by the Kentucky Legislature as "The Craft Capitol of Kentucky," is the home of Berea College, the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, and many craft studios. The Kentucky Arts and Craft Gallery, operated by a non-profit foundation in Louisville, features work of Kentucky craftspeople through a sales gallery or through special exhibitions. The Museum of the American Quilters Society, Paducah, Kentucky, is a national showcase for outstanding quilt work. In the state's eastern region, many craft cooperatives fill a vital economic link to the craft marketing industry. Nowhere will you find a state with more pride and interest in its craft than Kentucky. From time-honored, traditional crafts to exciting contemporary work and innovative folk art, Kentucky crafts are some of the nation's finest.