Kansas, located in the nation’s center, has a long history associated with America’s Westward Expansion. When Kansas Territory was created in 1854, it became the center of a struggle between abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates, leading to what was known as Bleeding Kansas.

At the same time, many people were moving westward, and major trails passed through the state, including the Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the California Trail. Later, when the railroad pushed westward, several cowtowns boomed as Texas ranchers pushed their cattle to the railroad. These events have given the Sunflower State a wealth of fascinating history and dozens of significant historic sites.

While some may say that Kansas is “flat as a pancake,” and maybe some parts of it are, it’s also just “flat great!”

Interestingly, Kansas has 12 designated scenic byways, three of which are named for the hills where they are located: Flint Hills, Glacial Hills, and Gypsum Hills.

To truly see and appreciate the state, one must venture off of I-70 and meander down a few back roads. In western Kansas, one might see some interesting geographical features in Castle Rock and Twin Butte. In northeast Kansas, one can almost taste the adventure in old riverfront cities such as Atchison and White Cloud.

Kansas is rich in history, with such characters as the lawless John Brown during the Civil War, lawman Wyatt Earp in Dodge City, and the Dalton Gang, who wreaked havoc on the state and were finally shot and killed in Coffeyville.

This is just a little of what the state has to offer. You will also find great people in Kansas! Enjoy your travels in Kansas, and welcome to the Legends of “Ahs!”

Kathy R. Alexander
Editor

P.S.  I can say Kansas is flat (at least in some places) because I grew up there.

Monument Rocks, Kansas by Kathy Alexander.

The sunflower painting is in Goodland, Kansas, by Reletta Clumsky.