The Military History of Kentucky was a unique addition to the Works Progress Administration's American Guide Series, issued under the auspices of the Federal Writers' Project. While most of the published books were guides to particular states, regions, or cities, this volume was a thorough and detailed chronological history of Kentucky's militias and National Guard units, and their military exploits, from 1774 to 1939. The extensive research and writing of this history was conducted by members of the Kentucky Division of the Federal Writers' Project of the WPA. Originally published in 1939, The Military History of Kentucky remains today an essential marker in the military and administrative history of the Bluegrass State.