HISTORY & HERITAGE

We take pride in our state's history and heritage. From the native tribes who resided on this land for centuries to the innovative pioneers who lead the way and everything in between.

History & Heritage

Black History Trail of Geary County

  • 3 minutes

Jim Sands, President of the Black History Trail of Geary County / Photography by Nick Krug A county project to commemorate almost a dozen locations opens interconnected stories across the region In…

  • 7 minutes

Photography by Andrea LaRayne Etzel & Carter Gaskins Quindaro was an abolitionist frontier city founded by Indigenous people and strengthened by those who escaped slavery—now, a new generation works…

From the Archives

From the Archives: Remembering John Steuart Curry

  • 5 minutes

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the winter of 1992 by Don Lambert. It's been lightly edited. A look back to 1992, when the Kansas Legislature took action to recognize one…

From the Archives

From the Archives: Birth of the Helicopter

  • 6 minutes

Editor’s Note This article was originally featured in the winter issue of 1983 by Joan L. Istas. You can still visit America’s first patented helicopter at the High Plains Museum in Goodland. "If…

History & Heritage

From the Archives: Kansas Outlaws

  • 6 minutes

The Sunflower State is known for its famous lawmen—but its infamous villains are legendary as well This article was originally featured in the winter 2014 issue of the magazine. Photos are courtesy of…

History & Heritage

The Lore of Kansas' First City: Leavenworth

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Known nationally for its federal prison facility, Leavenworth also contains a wealth of historical attractions Often called the state’s “first city,” Leavenworth has a rich history that includes…

History & Heritage

Kansas Historic Jails turned into Museums

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Explore the fascinating transformation of Kansas' historic jails into captivating museums! Discover the untold stories behind these architectural gems, blending history and preservation. ALLEN…

History & Heritage

Yesterday’s Crimes Are Today’s Exhibits

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A popular true crime exhibit in Garden City presents artifacts and clues that helped solve historic cases In 1928, Garden City police officer Roland S. Terwilliger found a partial right index…

History & Heritage

Military Forts in Kansas are more than Relics

  • 8 minutes

Even before Kansas was admitted to the union, the United States military had recognized the importance of our central location. Soldiers protected the trails, fought in wars spreading west, north and…

History & Heritage

Discovering Lewis and Clark

  • 8 minutes

Editor's note: This article was originally featured in the winter issue of 2003. Quotes and descriptions were pulled from journal entries. We camped in one of the most beautiful plains I ever saw…