Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Topeka

BACKGROUND

Kansas is derived from the Siouan Kansa or Kaw, meaning "people of the south wind," who lived south of the settlements of the northern Great Plains. It was granted statehood in 1861, becoming the 34th state in the US. Kansas is located equidistant from the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. The geographic center of Northamerica is located in Osborne County. This spot is used as the central reference point for all maps produced by the government. Kansas leads the states in wheat production. In early summer, the vast wheat fields on the state's prairies look like golden seas of grain. One of Kansas' most famous towns is Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital of the World.

Kansas has many reminders of its colorful past. One can still see the ruts made by covered wagons on the Santa Fe Trail. Tourists can visit the old forts that served as bases for United States cavalry campaigns against Native American tribes and a variety of local museums, showing the exciting days of cattle drives and gunslingers.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Sunflower State

Motto: Ad Astra per Aspera (To the stars through difficulties)

Statehood: January 29, 1861 (34th)

Origin of State's Name: From the Sioux Indian for "south wind people."

Largest City: Wichita

Border States: Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma

Land Area: 81,823 sq. mi., 13th largest

State Bird: Western Meadowlark

State Flower: Sunflower

State Tree: Cottonwood (populus)

State Song: Home on the Range

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Kansas - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.