Is there a part of Kentucky that's not actually IN Kentucky?

Question

Besides Ellis Park Racetrack outside of Evansville, IN, that is. I was looking at a satellite map on Wikipedia, and it has places to click on that enlarge. One was designated "a little piece of KY that's not in KY". It was located on or around the Illinois/Kentucky border - are they referring to a casino boat or something like that, or an actual piece of land? I know Ellis Park is technically in KY, though I don't know how.

PLEASE, I'M NOT REFERRING TO KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN OR KFC, FOLKS!

Answer 1

Yes, actually, it is along the Mississippi River where Kentucky meets Missouri and Tennessee (thanks Bob G). What happens is that the river changes course, but the border that followed the old path of the river remains in place, leaving isolated areas that are disconnected from the rest of the state. There are several example along the Mississippi, but the one you are talking about is perhaps the best. It is a small peninsula of sorts on the extreme western end of Kentucky, not far from Paducah, and just south of New Madrid, MO. It is actually connected by land to Tennessee. There are even more extreme examples of this along the Canadian border, not from a river, but just where the border falls along a lake or other body of water. One is the Northwest Angle in on the northern border of Minnesota, and the other is Point Roberts in Washington state.

Answer 2

The Ohio River separates Kentucky and Illinois and rivers change their path over time. If the river's path changes after the borders are set, it creates some strange transitions and must be what they're talking about.

When I lived outside of Omaha, we had the same situation. Along the road to the airport, there was about a one block stretch of road that was technically in Iowa. It always looked kind of strange seeing a small "Welcome to Iowa" sign along the road (the oddity wasn't worth an expensive billboard). Nebraska wasn't as impressed about it as Iowa was, so there was no sign telling you that you were back in Nebraska. But, on your way back, there was another small "Welcome to Iowa" sign so you could figure out what part of the road belonged to Iowa. If you were particularly observant, you suddenly realized the small arc shaped lake on the West side of the road must have been part of the Missouri river at some time.

Edit: wcivils is actually talking about where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri meet. Looking at it, that looks even stranger than the Ellis Park example. A section of KY that's completely surrounded by Missouri and Tennessee.

Answer 3

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Answer 4

Techically, if it is a part of Kentucky it is in Kentucky. So, your question doesn't make sense.

However, there are some bits of land on the other side of the Ohio River that are in Kentucky. This is because the Ohio River has slightly changed course over the years.

Answer 5

the previous answers are probably correct regarding rivers that change course. the particular geologic feature they are referring to is called an oxbow lake. this usually takes place as a river approaches sea level. the current is slower and the river is more easily deflected. silt deposits on one side and the river erodes more land on the other bank. eventually this meander forms a u shape. the spit of land in the middle of the u is eventually isolated and the river resumes its straight course leaving the oxbow lake. land that was once on one side of the river is now on the other.

Answer 6

There are a few states that are like that, i used to work for a Horse Transport Company... and one time i was confused, thought i was in one state cause that's what the signs said, but then come to find out i was not.... i don't understand it either.

Answer 7

KFC !!!