The need for an effective military establishment in Kentucky was first voiced in the New Commonwealth's Constitution. The framers of the constitution, many of them veterans of the Revolutionary War, included in the document a provision that "The freemen of this Commonwealth shall be armed and disciplined for its defense...". Since Colonel Isaac Shelby, the new states first governor, had a military background, he enhanced the organization of a defense system. On June 24, 1792, "An Act to arrange this state into Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Battalions and Companies, and for other purposes was put forth". This act passed due to the newly enacted Federal law for better arrangement of the militia of the various states. It provided for two Divisions, four Brigades, and fifteen Regiments. This was the beginning of the Kentucky Militia.

This information and more details can be found in the book The "Cornstalk" Militia of Kentucky 1792-1811, 1957. By G. Glen Clift. Special Collections call number UA212.C5 1982.