History From the fossilized remains of an ancient inland sea and great explorers searching for gold to the establishment of the aerospace industry and suburbia history abounds in Kansas.
Its central location has made Kansas a crossroads for generations. The trails that were the precursor to today' Interstate highways traveled through our state. The Santa Fe and Oregon Trails may have been the most famous for transporting people and cargo. Even mail traveled through Kansas via the Pony Express. Many forts were set up along their paths to help protect the travelers on their journey. These trails gave way to railroads that crisscrossed the state creating many communities that people today call home.
People and mail weren't alone in their travels. Millions of head of cattle corraled by the great American cowboy traveled to Kansas from Texas along cattle trails. Culminating in cattle towns where the wild, wicked and lawless created iconic images of the old west.
Some of Kansas' richest history was in the time leading up to the Civil War. The struggles over the decision to make Kansas a free state or a slave state brought about the period know as "Bleeding Kansas." That struggle is preserved today in the recent establishment of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. The rich African-American heritage is a proud part of our history with locations like Nicodemus and Brown v. Board of Education providing a glimpse into the past.
Over its nearly 150 year history as a state many famous people have hailed from Kansas. From political activists, industrial pioneers, to modern entertainment stars; Kansas has provided a launching pad to let their dream soar.
