Kentucky's "Big Blue" color is a state tradition that predates UK itself

Incest. Taboo in today's world but once a necessity to carry on the family name in remote areas such as the hills of Kentucky.

Hi, I'm BowlJackson and this is your SEC history lesson of the week.

Meet the Fugate family of Troublesome Creek, Kentucky.


Led by patriarch Martin Fugate the family settled remote Troublesome Creek in 1820. For more than a century inter-marriage was common place in the Fugate family (and many families in Kentucky.) Due to this inbreeding a recessive gene caused a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia to become prevalent in the family. This is what causes the Fugate's blue skin and smurf-like appearance.

Nobody is sure how many blue people remain in the area today because they tend to stay secluded out of embarrassment and have their children at home, although the last True Blue Fugate to go public recently died.


RIP Papa Smurf Fugate

However, if you travel near Hazard, Kentucky today and see a local start to get flustered watch to see if his/her lips or fingernails start to turn blue. Then you will know they are descendants of the great Fugate family of Troublesome Creek Kentucky

And that is how the University of Kentucky Wildcats chose to wear Blue.