Kansas, also known as the Sunflower State, is located in the heart of the United States. It is a state that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, it is always good to have a Printable Map of Kansas to explore the state’s various attractions.
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The Printable Map of Kansas can guide you through the many cities, towns, and villages that make up the state. From the rolling Flint Hills to the bustling metropolis of Wichita, there is something for everyone in Kansas. Some of the best-known attractions in the state include the Kansas City Zoo, the Kansas State Capitol, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
But before we delve into the many wonders of Kansas, let us first explore the state’s history. Kansas became the 34th state in the Union on January 29, 1861. Prior to that, it was a territory that was at the center of the struggle over slavery and the abolitionist movement. Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil War, with several battles fought on its soil.
Today, Kansas is a thriving state with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It is a state that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, nature, or culture.
Now, let us take a look at 20 fun facts about Kansas:
- The state’s official nickname is the Sunflower State, in honor of the state flower.
- The state motto is “Ad astra per aspera,” which means “To the stars through difficulties.”
- The state animal is the American Bison.
- The first woman mayor in the United States was elected in Kansas. Susanna M. Salter was elected as mayor of Argonia in 1887.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison, Kansas.
- The famous Wild West town of Dodge City was a major cattle town in the late 1800s.
- The state song is “Home on the Range.”
- The world’s first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958.
- The state insect is the honeybee.
- Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator, was born in Atchison, Kansas.
- The state bird is the Western Meadowlark.
- The first successful airplane flight in history was made by the Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, but the plane’s engine was manufactured by a company in Kansas.
- The state reptile is the ornate box turtle.
- The state’s highest point is Mount Sunflower, which is only 4,039 feet tall.
- The state tree is the Eastern Cottonwood.
- The first successful flight of a helicopter was made by a Kansan, Igor Sikorsky, in 1939.
- The state fish is the channel catfish.
- The state gemstone is the blue-green variety of the mineral called the Chalcedony.
- The state flower, the sunflower, is also the state’s cash crop, with over 25% of the state’s land dedicated to its cultivation.
- Kansas is the birthplace of both Pizza Hut and White Castle, two of America’s most popular fast-food chains.
With these fun facts in mind, let us return to the Printable Map of Kansas and explore some of the state’s top attractions.
One of the most popular destinations in Kansas is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, located in the Flint Hills region. This preserve protects one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America, and visitors can explore the trails , take guided tours, and learn about the history and ecology of the prairie. Another popular attraction in the Flint Hills is the Konza Prairie, a research area and nature preserve that is open to the public for hiking and educational tours.
The state capital, Topeka, is home to the Kansas State Capitol, a beautiful building that houses the state’s legislative and executive branches. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, which features beautiful murals, sculptures, and architecture.
Kansas City, located on the eastern border of Kansas, is a vibrant metropolitan area that spans two states. It is home to many attractions, including the Kansas City Zoo, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
The city of Wichita, located in south-central Kansas, is the state’s largest city and a hub for business, culture, and entertainment. Visitors to Wichita can explore the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Botanica Wichita Gardens, and the Kansas Aviation Museum.
For history buffs, the town of Abilene is a must-see destination. Abilene is the boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and visitors can tour his childhood home and the nearby Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Other notable attractions in Kansas include the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark, a series of chalk formations that rise up to 70 feet high, and the Oz Museum in Wamego, which celebrates the legacy of the classic film The Wizard of Oz.
Whether you are a resident of Kansas or a visitor, there is always something new to discover in this diverse and vibrant state. With a Printable Map of Kansas in hand and these fun facts in mind, you can explore all that this state has to offer.
In conclusion, Kansas is a state that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the state’s many attractions, learning about its traditions, or simply taking in its stunning landscapes, there is something for everyone in Kansas. With a Printable Map of Kansas in hand, you can chart your own course through this fascinating state and discover all that it has to offer.