Kansas from A to Z

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Updated

SEPTEMBER 2008 Flag & Map of Kansas

KANSAS FROM A TO Z

Astra per Aspera
To the Stars Through Difficulties
Facts about Kansas for each letter of the alphabet.
Click on highlighted words for more information

A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, AMISH, & ARCHAEOLOGY

AGRICULTURE is an important part of the economy in Kansas, and it is a leading agricultural state. More than 70% of the state is farmland. Kansas is the largest primary hard wheat market in the world and produces more wheat than any other state. Beef cattle are the most important part of the economy. Meat-packing, milling, and processing of other food products are the leading industries. The Agricultural Hall of Fame and National Center at Bonner Springs displays farm equipment. Kansas has a variety of soil, and the State Soil is Harney Silt Loam. Kansas has 4-H Clubs and chapters of Future Farmers of America. The National Agriculture Statistic Service and AG in the Classroom provide information, games, and puzzles.

The Amish way of life largely revolves around working and socializing together as a family and community. Yoder is the central point for surrounding Amish communities.

April is ARCHAEOLOGY month in Kansas, and there are archaeology events and activies during the year. The Kansas State Historical Society provides assistance on issues relating to archaeological resources.
B IS FOR BEACHES, BIRDS, BRIDGES & BYWAYS

Kansas has many BEACHES along reservoirs and lakes. Shawnee Mission Park has one of the most popular swimming beaches. Milford Reservoir has miles of shoreline and many swimming areas.

Kansas has over 400 species of birds. Birdwatching is popular and the are many Birding Hotspots. The State Bird is the Western Meadowlark. The state has the largest population of wild grouse in North America. It is often commonly called the Prairie Chicken. Millions of migrating birds stopy off at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge each year. Pheasants are a popular game bird.

Kansas has many BRIDGES including several Historic Bridges. Many of them are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rock Island Bridge is the longest railroad bridge of its kind. Kansas also has Covered Bridges and Suspension Bridges.

Kansas has several scenic BYWAYS and a variety of Trails including Birding and Prairie Flora Trails and Horse & Mule Trails . The state celebrates National Trails Day. Because of its location, Kansas has long been a crossroads for travelers, and many modern roads follow old Historic Trails. The state has interesting roadside attractions.
C IS FOR CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS, & COUNTIES

Topeka is the CAPITAL of Kansas. Wichita is called the "Air Capital of the World" because it leads the country in production of business and military planes. Sumner County is known as the Wheat Capital of the World.

Kansas has all forms of COMMUNICATION including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet, and telephone. The state has 4 telephone area codes, and Internet Service Providers and Web Cams are located throughout the state.

Kansas has 105 COUNTIES. The largest county in size is Butler County and the smallest is Wyandotte County. Johnson County has the largest population and Greeley County has the smallest. Barton County is the only county in the state that is named after a women - Civil War nurse, Clara Barton. The largest city is Wichita. The term county is used in 48 of the 50 states for the level of government below the state government.
D IS FOR DAMS & DINOSAURS

Kansas has more DAMS than any other state and has a Dam Safety Program Most of the electrical power in Kansas is generated by coal- and gas-fired power plants. A nuclear power plant is located at Wolf Creek. Other sources of energy being considered are Solar Power and Wind Power.

DINOSAURSlived along the Kansas shoreline. A variety of fossils have been found in the state including those of an armored dinosaur and a Pterosaur. Fick Fossil and History Museum in Oakley, has more than 11,000 sharks teeth and other fossils from the area. Monument Rocks National Landmark formations are giant towers of chalk filled with fossils from an ancient sea. The University of Kansas offers programs for children about dinosaurs including a Dinosaur Detective Summer Camp.
E IS FOR EARTHQUAKES, EDUCATION, & EVENTS

Kansas experiences occasional earthquakes but most of them are mild. The most recent earthquake was in July 2000 in Butler County. The largest earthquake was in 1867 in the Manhattan area.

The Kansas Department of EDUCATION supervises public education and other educational interests in the state. Public education in Kansas is free and and ranked among the best in the country. Attendence is required from age 7 through 16 unless otherwise exempt. Kansas Kids @ Gear Up assists students in attaining educational success. The Kansas Department of Wildlife has educational programs. The Great Plains Nature Center is a new education facility in Wichita. The National Teachers Hall of Fame is located in Emporia. Information about schools in Kansas is available at GreatSchools and SchoolBug.

Kansas has many special EVENTS, celebrations, and festivals during the year. Kansas has State Fairs and County Fairs. Many celebrations reflect the European beginnings of the people including the Lucia Fest in Lindsborg. InternationalPancake Day is celebrated in the town of Liberal. There are Scottish Games and Festivals. Kansas observes Fixed Public Holidays and other special days.
F IS FOR FISH, FLAG, & FOOD

Kansas has 142 species of FISH and 46 species of mussels. The State Fish is the channel catfish. Fishing is a popular activity. Kansas has 4 Fish Hatchries.

The Kansas State FLAG consists of a dark blue field with the State Seal in the center. A sunflower on a bar of twisted gold lies above the seal, and below the seal is the word "Kansas". Other flags in the state include the city of Wichita, the University of Kansas, and Leavenworth. The Wyandot Tribe has their own flag.

Kansas has a variety of FOOD Festivals & Events. The state has 3 edible state symbols - honey, American buffalo, and sunflower seeds. Kansas has many interesting specialty foods. Some are based on Kansas Agriculture, but more are inspired by the European Heritage of many of the immigrants to the state. The Kansas Department of Agriculture guarantees public safety by regulating the production and sale of food products in the state. The Kansas Food Bank provides food whenever and wherever it is needed. The 1st big food service chain in the country was Harvey House. The 1st Pizza Hut was opened in Wichita.
G IS FOR GEOLOGY, GHOST TOWNS, & GLOBAL POSITION

The GEOLOGY of Kansas varies from dry and flat to river beds, forested plateaus, coal country, cactus-covered buttes, and stony glacial moraines. The US Geological Survey provides information about the geology of Kansas, and Kansas Geological Survey provides maps. Mushroom Rocks near Ellensworth are large sandstone formations. Rock City consists of more than 200 rocks, some as large as a house.

Kansas has over 50 GHOST TOWNS including Blaine which has a Red brick church from 1881 and Albany which has a schoolhouse and cemetery. Gem has a school house, 3 churches, and 2 business buildings. Selma has 2 houses and a school house. Several hundred people live in Buffalo

The GLOBAL POSITION of Kansas is approximately 37 degrees north longitude and 101 degrees west latitute. The geographic center of the lower 48 states United States is a few miles west of Lebanon. Kansas is bordered by the states of Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The highest point is Mt. Sunflower. The lowest point is the Verdigris River. NOAA provides information about the Topography of Kansas. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt using a GPS, and there are geocaches throughout the state.
H IS FOR HISTORIC SITES & HISTORY

Kansas has many HISTORIC SITES including museums, forts, trails, and stations along the Santa Fe and Oregon trails and on the Pony Express route. Fort Leavenworth, the first U.S. outpost in Kansas, is now a federal prison. Historic trails in Kansas were important to the opening of the West. The National Trust helps protest historic sites in Kansas.

The HISTORY of Kansas dates back to 11,000 b.c. The first people were called Paleo-Indians. Later came the Mound Builders who were the first farmers in the state. The recorded history of Kansas dates back to the 1500s. Kansas participates in National History Day.
I IS FOR INDUSTRIES, ISLANDS & INSECTS

Kansas has many INDUSTRIES including agriculture and aviation. The production of transportation equipment is the leading industry in the state. Cattle raising is an important industry, and Southwest Kansas has the largest concentration of beef packing plants in the country. Several Trade Shows are held throughout the year.

Kansas has several ISLANDS. Kickapoo Island is a historical site, Small Duck Island is in a Reservoir, Nelson Island is on a River, and Small Lakes Island is in a Lake.

About 15,000 species of INSECTS have been found in Kansas including mayflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies, ants, bees, and a variety of bugs. The state has about 181 species of butterflies including the Monarch Butterfly. The State Insect is the honeybee.
J IS FOR JAYHAWK & JAZZ

Kansas is sometimes called The JAYHAWK State because during the Civil war, antislavery abolitionists were called Jayhawks. The jayhawk is also a mythical bird. Sports teams at the University of Kansas are called The Jayhawks.

Jazz is popular in Kansas. The KU Jazz Festival has been a focal point for jazz performance and education in the central part of the country. The Wichita Grand Opera Company produces opera and has education programs. The State Song is "Home on the Range".
K IS FOR KARST & KIDS

Kansas has KARST, caves, and caverns. Kansas has at least 528 caves. Commanche County has more caves than any other county in the state. Barber County has over 100 caves. An area called the Ozarks of Kansas is dotted with caves. The Karst Waters Institute provides information about Karst. The National Park Service has a Cave and Karst Program. The Kansas Speleological Society explores caves.

Many aspects of life in Kansas focus on KIDS. The Secretary of State has a Kansas Kids page. The Kansas Kids Can program provides information about recycling. The Heartland Center has camps for kids of all ages.
L IS FOR LAKES & LIBRARIES

Kansas has LAKES and reservoirs. Milford Reservoir is the largest lake in the state. Tuttle Creek Lake was created by a dam and offers many recreation opportunities.

Public LIBRARIES are located throughout Kansas. The Kansas State Library is in Topeka. The University of Kansas and Kansas State University have libraries. The Eisenhower Library and Museum is located near the boyhood home of the 34th president.
M IS FOR MILITARY, MINERALS, & MUSEUMS

There are several MILITARY installations in Kansas. Fort Leavenworth is the oldest continuously active post west of the Mississippi River and is the site of the most famous federal prison in the country. The Frontier Military Scenic Byway has unique historic, natural, and cultural attractions. The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center have a variety of programs for all ages. The Army Corps of Engineers has projects in Kansas. The Kansas National Guard maintains 75 armories and is present in 57 communities.

Many rocks and MINERALS are found in Kansas. Every year Kansas produces more than $400 million worth of non-fuel minerals. One of the first natural-gas booms in the country occurred in southeastern Kansas and the largest natural gas field is near Hugoton. Helium, Coal, limestone and salt are also mined in Kansas. The constant temperature of the largest salt mine in the state is perfect for storing important documents, microfilm, and other treasures.

A variety of MUSEUMS are located throughout Kansas. Notable art museums are at the University of Kansas in Wichita. The Post Rock Museum and Barbed Wire Museum are in La Crosse. The Gallery of Also-Rans is in Norton. There is a Salt Museum in Hutchinson. The State Historical Society in Topeka has a historical museum.
N IS FOR NAME & NATIVE AMERICANS

The NAME Kansas is a Sioux word meaning "people of the southwind". The nickname of Kansas is Sunflower State, and The State Flower is the Wild Native Sunflower. Hutchinson is nicknamed the Salt City because it was built above some of the richest salt deposits in the world. The state is often called Midway, USA. Mid America Air Museum is in Liberal. Because it produces an abundance of wheat, Kansas is sometimes called "The Wheat State".

Kansas is home to more than 20,000 NATIVE AMERICANS including the Wyandot Nation, Kansa, Osage, Shawnee, Wichita & Plains Apache. Kansas has 3 Federally Recognized Tribes. The Wichita Indians tamed dogs to help with hunting and farm chores. The Kickapoo Powwow honors Native American dances & festivities. More than 25 Indian tribes have made their home in Kansas but most tribal groups have moved to another state.
O IS FOR OBSERVATORIES

Kansas has several OBSERVATORIES and astronomy clubs. The Omnisphere and Science Center in Wichita has a star show and hands-on exhibits. Powell Observatory has the largest telescope in the 5 state area and offers public viewings. The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Discovery Center is in Hutchinson. Lake Afton Public Observatory has programs throughout the year. North Central Kansas Astronomical Society has special events throughout the year. Astronomy Day is celebrated in the spring.
P IS FOR PARKS, PEOPLE, & PONY EXPRESS

Kansas has many PARKS including State Parks, County Parks, and City Parks. Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve is an example of the once vast tall grass ecosystem in Kansas and is a new kind of National Park. Kansas has several Water Parks

Nearly 3 million PEOPLE live in Kansas. A small Mennonite group, the Amish, live near Yoder. The Russian Mennonites are responsible for bringing hardy wheat to Kansas. A number of famous people were born in Kansas including Amelia Earhart, a pioneering pilot; Charles Curtis, the only Native American vice-president, Susanna Salter, first female mayor in the country; Karl Menninger, founder of Menninger Clinic; Bob Dole, former Senate majority Leader; and Walter Chrysler, automaker. Almon Strowger dial telephone inventor lived most of his life in Kansas. Some of the legendary lawmen of the West are associated with Kansas including Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp, and Bat Masterson.

There were PONY EXPRESS stops in Kansas including Marysville Pony Espress Barn and the Hollenberg Station which is a State Historic Site. Pony Express Days celebrates the time Pony Express riders delivered mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California.
Q IS FOR QUARTER, QUILTING, & QUIZ
The U.S. Mint issued a QUARTER for each state according to its admission date. Kansas was admitted to the union in 1861, and a quarter was issued in its honor in the year 2005. The U.S. Mint has a special Kids Page.

QUILTING is popular in Kansas and there are Quilt Guilds throughout the state and the Kansas Alliance of Weavers and Spinners sponsors special events and exhibits. The Kansas Quilt Walk was developed to honor the pioneer history.
Take a QUIZ about Kansas.
R IS FOR REGIONS, REPTILES, RIVERS

Kansas is divided into several REGIONS - High Plains, Tall Grass, and Wooded Hills. The Southwest part of Kansas is considered to be where the wild west began. Kansas is also part of the Mountain-Prairie Region.

About 67 species of REPTILES and turtles are found in Kansas including lizards and snakes. The Ornate Box Turtle is the State Reptile. The state has about 32 species of amphibians including salmanders, toads, and frogs. The State Amphibian is the Barred Tiger Salamander.

Kansas has many RIVERS and creeks. Two major rivers flow west to east, the Kansas in the north and the Arkansas in the south. The Missouri River winds along the northeast corner of the state and was a major thoroughfare for early traders and settlers. There are 27 "Walnut" creeks in the state. None of the Kansas waterways are used for navigation today. Part of the Ogallala Aquifer lies beneath the state and holds a vast amount of water.
S IS FOR SPORTS

Kansas has many SPORTS including high school, college, league, and professional teams. There is an annual rodeo at Strong City. Other outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. The state has Public and private Golf Courses. Kansas has several Racetracks and Speedways. There are also many skating rinks.
T IS FOR TRANSPORTATION & TREES

Kansas has all forms of TRANSPORTATION.The Kansas Department of Transportation maintains roads and bridges and has an Adopt-a-Highway Program. The Federal Highway Administration provides information about traffic and road closure. The first license plates in Kansas were issued in 1913, but the year was not put on them until 1921. The state offers a variety of personalized license plates. The Potawatomie Prairie Band of Native Americans has their own license plates. The Wildflower Program beautifies and maintains the roadsides. In 1981 Kansas won the award for the most beautiful license plate. To celebrate its 50th birthday in 2002, Matchbox cars issued a vehicle for each state in the order in which it was admitted into the Union. The vehicle for Kansas was the Weather Radar Truck.

Kansas has 114 species of TREES. The most common trees of eastern Kansas are the oak, hickory, and elm, and black walnut, sycamore, box elder, green ash,hackberry, and the cottonwood which is the State Tree. Cottonwood, willow, and red cedar are the principal trees in western Kansas. The Osage Orange is found in hedgerows in some areas of the state. The Red Cedar is the only conifer native to Kansas. Kansas has had many Champion Trees. Most of the forestland in Kansas is in the eastern part of the state.
U IS FOR UNIVERSITIES & USS KANSAS

Kansas has UNIVERSITIES colleges, and vocational schools. Many cultural activities are concentrated in the universities. Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence is the only 4-year Native American university in the country. Ceremonies, powwows, and art markets are held on the school grounds, and the public is welcome to enjoy displays of modern and traditional Native American life.

Two Navy ships have been named USS KANSAS. The USS Kansas (1863) was a gunboat and saw action in the Civil War and the USS Kansas (BB-21) was a Connecticut-class Battleship. Three ships have been named USS Topeka in honor of the city. The USS Topeka (35) was a gunboat, the USS Topeka (CL-67) was a light cruiser, and the USS Topeka (SSN-754) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine.
V IS FOR VEGETATION & VOLCANOES

Kansas has a wide variety of VEGETATION including shrubs, woody vines, & wildflowers and grasses. Extensive grasslands dominate the natural vegetation. Flint Hills in eastern Kansas has the largest expanse of wild grass in the country. Through the ages to modern time, wildfires influenced development of fire-tolerant grasses and suppressed woody vegetation. The Nature Conservancy helps preserve the land in Kansas and has field trips and events. The Konza Praire Research Natural Area provides an outdoor laboratory of native tallgrass praier set aside for long-term research. Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve was sustained by managed fires.

Kansas does not have any volcanoes, but at one time lava did flow on its surface. Rocks from volcanoes have been found in the state.
W IS FOR WEATHER & WILDLIFE

The WEATHER in Kansas varies becuase it is remote from moderating influences of oceans. It has 4 distinct seasons and is one of the windiest states in the country. Kansas is located in what is called Tornado Alley. A severe drought in the 1930's resulted in what was called "The Dust Bowl". The State Climatologist provides information about the climate of the state, and NOAA has weather activities for kids. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about the effect of Global Warming in Kansas.

Kansas has about 87 species of WILDLIFE including bats, rodents, rabbits, beavers, fox, wolves, bears,and mountain lions. Antelope have been reintroduced in the west, and squirrels, raccoon, and deer occur in the east. Kansas has 4 Wildlife Refuges. Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife. The 3rd largest herds of bison are located on public lands in Kansas, and the State Animal is the American Bison. The state has a number of threatened and endangered species. Kansas is part of the Wildlife Protection Program to help wildlife along roads.
X IS FOR XMAS

XMAS is the common abbreviation for Christmas and it is celebrated in Kansas much like the rest of the country and around the world. Kansas has several Christmas Tree Farms and has provided National and State Christmas trees in front of the white House. The National Christmas Tree Association has information about Christmas trees.
Y IS FOR YMCA, YOUTH HOSTELS, & YODER

YMCA organizations are located throughout Kansas. There are 3 YMCA camps - Camp Hyde, Camp Hammond, and Camp Wood.

Kansas has YOUTH HOSTELS and Elderhostels.
Z IS FOR ZIP CODES, ZONES, & ZOO

The use of ZIP CODES began in 1963. Zip codes in Kansas all start with the number 6. The postal code is KS.

Kansas is in the Central Time ZONE and in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5-6.

Kansas has ZOOS and Animal Parks. The Kansas City Zoological Park is also a research and education center and is home to the first IMAX Theatre in a zoo. Sunset Zoo in Manhattan participates in a variety of research projects. The Sedgwick County Zoo has been ranked as one of the best zoos in the world. The world famous Topeka Zoo has a variety of areas including a Discovering Apes Building, Lion's Pride, Animals & Man Building, and a Tropical Rain Forest.

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