Kansas Day

Kansas Day History

Kansas Day is dedicated to the celebration of the state of Kansas. It is dedicated to the celebration of the Sunflower State's rich historical heritage, its enduring traditions, and the significant role it has played within the larger panorama of American history. The occasion offers Kansans an opportunity to reflect on their past and appreciate their unique journey through time.

Kansas Day's history dates back to 1877 when it was first observed by a group of school students in Paola, a small town in Miami County. The concept rapidly took root and spread across various private and public institutions, eventually leading to its broad acceptance as a state holiday. From its inception, Kansas Day serves as a symbol of the Kansas spirit, embodying the state's legacy as the Free State, its contribution to the civil rights movement, and its deep agricultural roots.

Kansas Day is marked with numerous engaging activities across the state. Educational institutions often present lessons and projects pertinent to Kansas history, while libraries, museums, and historical societies host a multitude of events that delve into the state's past and culture. Kansas Day culminates on the 29th of January each year, stirring a sense of camaraderie and pride among Kansans as they celebrate their home state's extraordinary journey through time.

Facts about Kansas Day

• Kansas was the first state to ratify the 15th amendment, thus allowing African-American men the right to vote. The 15th amendment reads, the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
• Kansas is one of the highest producing agricultural states in the U.S. It is believed that they produce enough wheat in one year to provide everyone in the world with several loaves of bread.
• The state of Kansas gets its name from the Kansa people, a Native tribe of Siouan who lived along the Kansas and Saline rivers. The name comes from the Siouan-language phrase meaning, people of the south wind.
• Facts about Kansas Day:
  1) Kansas, known as "the Sunflower State" and "the Wheat State," often has Kansas Day observances that feature these symbols, including a project for children to plant sunflowers.
  2) Kansas Day is not a public holiday in the sense that businesses and schools are closed, it is largely an observance for schools to use as an educational tool.
  3) Many Native American tribes lived in Kansas for centuries before European encounter, including the Kansa, Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita.

In the News and Trending for Kansas Day

Top things to do for Kansas Day

• Visit the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kansas. It is one of the U.S's oldest history museums and is home to more than 50 historic and re-created buildings.
• Visit the Strataca Underground Salt Museum Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. It is a popular museum built within one of the world's largest deposits of rock salt. It lets visitors explore tunnels and travel 650 feet underground.
• Watch a movie representative of Kansas and its notable figures. Here are our suggestions:
  Amelia (2009)
  The Wizard of Oz (1939)
  The Texans (1938)