Kansas - The Sunflower State

Sunflower

Kansas

Known as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas sits at the heart of the United States and has long symbolized the spirit of the American plains. With its wide-open prairies, waving fields of wheat, and big skies, Kansas is a major agricultural powerhouse and a cornerstone of the nation’s breadbasket. It became the 34th state in 1861, amid fierce national debates over slavery—earning it the nickname “Bleeding Kansas” due to the violent clashes that took place during its push for statehood.

Kansas is shaped by both its geography and its pioneering past. Native American tribes, including the Kansa (from which the state gets its name), originally inhabited the area. Later, settlers, cattle drives, and railroads transformed it into a hub of frontier life. Today, Kansas is known for its contributions to aviation, its role in the Civil Rights Movement (notably the Brown v. Board of Education case in Topeka), and its enduring Midwestern values.

 

Kansas Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Statehood January 29, 1861 (34th state)
  • Kansas was the center of violent confrontations over slavery before the Civil War, earning it the nickname “Bleeding Kansas.”
  • The geographic center of the 48 contiguous states is located in Smith County, Kansas.
  • Kansas produces more wheat than almost any other U.S. state, often called the “Wheat State.”
  • Amelia Earhart, the famous aviator, was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897.
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. President, was raised in Abilene, Kansas.
  • It’s illegal to hunt whales in Kansas—even though it's a landlocked state!
  • Kansas has one of the flattest landscapes in the U.S.—perfect for farming and massive skies.
  • The University of Kansas (KU) and Kansas State University (K-State) have a fierce sports rivalry.
  • Wichita is known as the "Air Capital of the World" due to its aircraft manufacturing history.
  • The phrase "There's no place like home" from *The Wizard of Oz* made Kansas world-famous.
Capital Topeka
Largest City Wichita
Nickname The Sunflower State
State Motto Ad astra per aspera ("To the stars through difficulties")
Population Approx. 2.9 million
Area 82,278 sq mi (15th largest)
Region Midwest
Abbreviation KS
State Flower Sunflower
Geography Mostly flat plains and prairies; gently rolling hills in the east
Major Industries Agriculture (wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle), aviation, manufacturing, energy
Bordering States Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado

Our Content
Kansas Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Kansas Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Kansas maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Kansas map.

Oklahoma History

History of Kansas

Kansas became a U.S. state in 1861 after years of violent conflict over whether it would allow slavery, a period known as "Bleeding Kansas." It played a key role in the fight over slavery and later supported the Union during the Civil War.
Amelia Earhart

Famous People from Kansas

Amelia Earhart, the trailblazing aviator who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was born in Atchison, Kansas. Dwight D. Eisenhower, born in Texas but raised in Abilene, Kansas, became a five-star general in World War II and later served as the 34th President of the United States.
Comprehension

Kansas Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
KansasSymbols

Fun Kansas Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Kansas-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Kansas' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Kansas and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Kansas, or Not Kansas, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.