Kansas is often known for its flat plains and prairies, but did you know that there’s more to this Midwestern state than meets the eye? Here are ten fun facts about Kansas that you probably never knew!
1. The Land of Oz: Kansas is famously linked to the famous children’s book ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.’ In fact, the iconic yellow brick road actually exists, and you can find it in Kansas!
2. Wheat Capital: Kansas produces the most wheat in the United States! In fact, the state is nicknamed ‘The Wheat State.’
3. Home to Eisenhower: The 34th US president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was born in Kansas, in the small town of Denison.
4. Toto, We’re Not in Kansas Anymore: Contrary to what you might think, the phrase ‘Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore’ was not uttered in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It was first used in a 1930s song called ‘Sins of the Father’ and was later popularized by the movie.
5. Sunflowers Galore: Kansas is also known for its bright yellow sunflowers. It’s considered the sunflower state, and you can find fields of these vibrant flowers all around.
6. Tallgrass Prairie: Did you know that Kansas is home to America’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie? The Flint Hills span 10,000 square miles in eastern Kansas, and it’s an important ecosystem for wildlife.
7. State Symbols: Kansas has a long list of state symbols, including the state song, ‘Home on the Range’; the state flower, the Sunflower; and the state bird, Western Meadowlark.
8. Amelia Earhart’s Birthplace: Another famous Kansan is aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. She was born in Atchison, Kansas, and went on to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
9. Dodge City: You might have heard of Dodge City, the Wild West town that was home to Wyatt Earp and Jesse James. This iconic town is located in southwestern Kansas and was a hub for cowboys and cattle drives during the late 1800s.
10. The Big Well: One of the most unexpected attractions in Kansas is the Big Well in Greensburg. This enormous well is 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide – the world’s largest hand-dug well!
In conclusion, although Kansas may not be known for its mountains or beaches, it has plenty to offer in terms of history, nature, and culture. From the iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ references to the rich prairies and famous Kansans, there’s never a dull moment in this state.
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