Topeka, Kansas

Topeka, Kansas

On December 5, 1854, nine men made the wintry trek from the tent city of Lawrence to a small log cabin on the banks of the Kansas River. Huddled in the cold before a smoky fire, this group of men founded a town which was to play a major role in the \"Bleeding Kansas\" territory and later become the new state\'s capital.

\"Bleeding Kansas\" in the 1850s has been called a prelude to the Civil War which would follow in the next decade. Topekans such as John Ritchie battled for the abolition of slavery as Kansas approached statehood. His home became a meeting place for the free-state faction and a station on the underground.

In 1862, there was not a mile of railroad on operation in the entire state of Kansas. By 1872, just ten years later, Kansas boasted more miles of track than any of the other 26 states, and Topeka was a major hub. The Union Pacific Railroad rolled into Topeka from Kansas City on January 1, 1866. In 1868, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway was born. Among the notable people who passed through the station were Ulysses S. Grant, Gen. Philip Sheridan, Russian Grand Duke Alexis, and Kansas\' favorite son, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Carrie Nation called Topeka home for a time. She supported herself from sales of her newspaper, \"The Smashers Mail \" which she printed in Topeka.

The Episcopal Church established the College of the Sisters of Bethany in 1860, and Washburn University originally started in 1865 as a Congregational College.

When Karl Menninger received his medical degree, he came home to join his father and the Menninger Clinic was born. It is known as the world leader in mental health treatment and research.

From its beginning, Topeka has played a major role in government, transportation and health care. This strong tradition is still alive today. Topeka is a city with a colorful past which points to an even more exciting future.

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Attractions near Topeka, Kansas

Hugoton Municipal Golf Course
Hugoton Municipal Golf Course

This nine-hole municipal course consists of lush bluegrass fairways, grass greens and a few sand traps. A driving range is si...

St. Francis Hotel
St. Francis Hotel

The St. Francis Hotel is a significant example of the businesses in Nicodemus during its era of great prosperity. Built in 18...

Country Club Lake
Country Club Lake

Country Club Lake offers a small playground, a sandy area, fishing and is a great area for kite flying! ...

Civil War Monument
Civil War Monument

A monument at Bellmont Cemetery, considered a Pioneer Cemetery, was dedicated in 1915 to those who gave their lives in the Ci...

Kansas Walleye Association

http://kansaswalleye.org/ You are invited to the five scheduled tournaments at some of the finest lakes in Kansas. The ...

Round Red Barn
Round Red Barn

The Kearny County Historical Society has purchased the old, 12-sided barn on the west edge of Lakin. It was restored at its p...

Hesston City Parks
Hesston City Parks

Lion's Club Children's Park - This park is one of Hesston's most beautiful and includes attractive landscaping, new pl...

Marion Historical Museum
Marion Historical Museum

The Museum building was constructed in 1882 for the First Baptist Church and continued to serve Baptist congregations until t...

The Round Barn
The Round Barn

In 1912 Henry W. Fromme, a German immigrant, hired William "Pat" Campbell, a local carpenter, to build a large round barn to ...

Bill Hougland - Gold Medalist

Bill Hougland transferred to Beloit High School his junior year in 1947. He then took the team to its first state championshi...

Grape Escape

Start Date: Fri August, 2nd
Food and wine festival with wines from around the world, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. This annual wine and food fest...

Jefferson County 4-H Fair

Start Date: Fri August, 2nd
Royalty parade, 4-H exhibits, booths, livestock show, and livestock auction. 9am-10pm. For information about the parade co...

Douglas County Fair Demolition Derby

Start Date: Fri August, 2nd
A crash, bang car demolition derby featuring a compact car class. Time: 7:30 p.m....

Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

Start Date: Fri August, 30th
A celebration of Native American culture with dancing in full costume, food, and crafts by Native American artisans. 3:00 PMâ...

Annual Lawrence Indian Arts Show

Start Date: Fri August, 30th
Juried Competition featuring two and three dimensional art work by contemporary American Indian artists from across the Unite...

Meriden Threshing Show

Start Date: Fri July, 12th
The most complete working Blacksmith Shop in the Midwest (circa 1925) See the thick and thin steam powered saw mill sawing l...

Baldwin’s Wine And Brew Tasting Festival

Start Date: Fri July, 19th
Baldwin’s Wine And Brew Tasting Festival. All donations will go to the BCRC Scholarship Fund. BCRC will be hosting this eve...

July 4th Celebration

Start Date: Fri July, 5th
Picnic & Fireworks at Grace Community Church. Bring a side dish and lawn chair. Call for times...

Juneteenth - Back Home - Celebration

Start Date: Fri June, 14th
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. We will celebrate with ...

Baldwin City Art Walks

Start Date: Fri June, 14th
See the artwork of local artists in Baldwin City every 3rd Friday of the month from June through September! Art walks will be...

Topeka Map

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