In two days, the Sunflower State will celebrate its 148th birthday. On January 29, 1861, Kansas became the 34th state in the Union. Kansas' birth as a state in the Union was very significant because it entered as a free state. At this time in history, just before the Civil War, states were declaring themselves as either free states or slave states. Because abolitionists won out over pro-slavers, Kansas was a place of great turmoil during that time.
After the Civil War, many people made Kansas their home where they farmed the rich soil. Kansas also holds a rich history consisting of, pioneers, the cattle towns, cowboys and outlaws, the railroad, and business and industry. Today, Kansas is much more sophisticated than in the days of gunslingers at Boot Hill. The aircraft industry provides many jobs for Kansans. Our cities, while not large, are comfortable and family-friendly. Kansas is home to the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University (Go Shockers!), and many more respected colleges. Kansas, in the heart of America, also has four beautiful and distinct seasons. When we celebrate the Fourth of July, it is hot as it should be, and there is usually snow on at least one of the twelve days of Christmas. Our springs boast trees and flowers awash with color, as well as the fall, where the colors are quite lovely in their array of gold, auburn and mocha.
Happy Birthday Kansas! I am proud to call you my home.
Sites about Kansas
Here are a couple of sites to learn more about Kansas, its people and its history. The first site is the Kansas State Historical Society. There are many links to information about the 34th state. Another useful site for finding information about Kansas is Kansas History Websites, a listing of sites related to the state.
Digital History
Check out Digital History to learn about the history of America. This site is a collection of primary sources with lesson plans, active learning ideas, multimedia and an interactive timeline to provide a look into the events and people who shaped the nation.
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