Kansas is the Heart of the USA. It was admitted to the union in 1861 and is the 14th state to join. The capital is Topeka. The state takes its name from the Kansa or Kaw Indian tribe that lived in that area. Many of the cities and areas also have Indian names.

Kansas is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south and Colorado to the west.

Kansas is the largest wheat producing state in the union.

Cattle is a major industry. Each spring ranches burn millions of acres to keep the prairie the prairie. They have a Prairie Fire festival to celebrate this event. After a fire, the grass grows back quick and its preferred by both cattle and buffalo. This has been going on for a long time. The Indians did it to bring in the Buffalo.

Find the state bird, flag, motto and more info

State Bird: western meadowlark

Kansas's State Flag picture

State Nickname: sunflower state, jayhawker state

State Motto: ad astra per aspera (to the stars through difficulties

State Song: Home on the Range

State March: The Kansas march

State Tree: cottonwood

State Flower: native sunflower

State Animal: American Buffalo or bison

State Insect: Honeybee

State Reptile: Ornate Box Turtle

State Amphibian: Salamander

Famous People

• John Brown was born in Connecticut but led many raids around Kansas and Missouri prior to the Civil War.
• Dwight Eisenhower is from Abilene.
• Senator Bob Dole is from Russell.
• Amelia Earhart is from Atchison.
• William P. Chrysler born in Wamego founded Chrysler Corporation.
• William Allen White is from Emporia was an influential journalist.