Since becoming a state in 1861, Kansas has been a booming, history making (and changing) state. That being said, if you were born and raised in Kansas over the last 60 years, you will always remember:
- The Great Flood of 1951.
Wikimedia Commons The devastating flood, which took place during the summer of 1951, was the result of heavy rains overflowing Kansas rivers. The flood resulted in the loss of 17 lives, the displacement of 518,000 people, and damages of $935 million.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower is the first elected president from Kansas (1953).
Wikimedia Commons “Ike” hailed from Abilene and served two terms (1953-1961).
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
Wikimedia Commons The landmark Supreme Court case, which was filed against Topeka’s Board of Education, ended the need for all forms of state-maintained racial separation.
- Clutter Family Murders (1959).
Wikimedia Commons The Sunflower State was rocked when the Clutter family was brutally murdered in Holcomb. Both Richard Eugene Hickock (pictured) and Perry Edward Smith were charged, convicted, and hanged for the murders, which inspired Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.”
- Kansas celebrates its centennial (1961).
Wikimedia Commons
- Miss Kansas is crowned Miss America (1966).
Flickr/Ira In 1966, Deborah Irene Bryant of Overland Park was the first ever Kansan to receive the Miss America title.
- (Former) President Eisenhower dies (1969).
Wikimedia Commons The entire country watched as former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was laid to rest in Abilene.
- Kansas is recognized as having the most beautiful license plate design (1981).
Flickr/David Reber …even with Alabama junk all over, it’s still beautiful!
- The Kansas Legislation approves both the Kansas Lottery and liquor by the drink (1987).
Wikimedia Commons
- Senator Bob Dole runs as the Republican presidential nominee (1996).
Wikimedia Commons The Russell native lost to challenging incumbent President Bill Clinton.
- The City of Wichita rests easier after the capture and arrest of Dennis Rader (2005).
Wikimedia Commons The notorious BTK Killer murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991.
- The City of Greensburg is devastated by an EF5 Torando (2007).
Wikimedia Commons The monstrous tornado leveled 95% of the city and killed 11 people.
- The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 29-13 (2015).
Flickr/Jeffrey Beall We just wanted to end this post on a high note!
What are some of the moments in Kansas history that you will never forget? Tell us in the comments.
Wikimedia Commons
The devastating flood, which took place during the summer of 1951, was the result of heavy rains overflowing Kansas rivers. The flood resulted in the loss of 17 lives, the displacement of 518,000 people, and damages of $935 million.
“Ike” hailed from Abilene and served two terms (1953-1961).
The landmark Supreme Court case, which was filed against Topeka’s Board of Education, ended the need for all forms of state-maintained racial separation.
The Sunflower State was rocked when the Clutter family was brutally murdered in Holcomb. Both Richard Eugene Hickock (pictured) and Perry Edward Smith were charged, convicted, and hanged for the murders, which inspired Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.”
Flickr/Ira
In 1966, Deborah Irene Bryant of Overland Park was the first ever Kansan to receive the Miss America title.
The entire country watched as former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was laid to rest in Abilene.
Flickr/David Reber
…even with Alabama junk all over, it’s still beautiful!
The Russell native lost to challenging incumbent President Bill Clinton.
The notorious BTK Killer murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991.
The monstrous tornado leveled 95% of the city and killed 11 people.
Flickr/Jeffrey Beall
We just wanted to end this post on a high note!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
