You know the saying, “What a difference a day makes,” but what about a week? A year? 25 years? 100? Any amount of time can make a HUGE difference, as demonstrated by these 21 then and now photos of Kansas that will forever change the way you see these iconic places:
- Then: Kansas State Capitol in Topeka (c. 1889)
Wikimedia Commons
- Kansas State Capitol in Topeka Now
Flickr/Rough Tough, Real Stuff Started in 1866, the Kansas State Capitol took an unprecedented 37 years to complete, with its iconic dome not being approved until 1988. It is the second building to serve as the state’s Capitol.
- Then: Mushroom Rock State Park (1916)
Wikimedia Commons
- Mushroom Rock State Park Now
TripAdvisor While these fascinating Dakota sandstone concretions haven’t changed too much over the last 100 years, the tourists attire (and camera quality) certainly have!
- Then: Whacky Shack at Joyland Amusement Park in Wichita (1997)
Wikimedia Commons
- Whacky Shack at Joyland Amusement Park Now
Flickr/Randy Delighting families from 1949 through 2004 was Wichita’s colorful Joyland Amusement Park, which featured childhood favorites like Louie the Clown, a wooden roller coaster, and Whacky Shack (pictured). Joyland Amusement Park still stands today, but is in poor condition.
- Then: Farming in Kansas (1930)
Flickr/danzil raines
- Farming in Kansas Now
Flickr/Chris Hartman Farming has always been a vital part of the Kansas economy, but can you imagine having to harvest with a small, open-air tractor?
- Then: Kansas Border (1954)
Wikimedia Commons
- Kansas Border Now
Wikimedia Commons Not only have the Kansas border signs changed over the last several decades, so have the roads themselves!
- Then: University of Kansas in Lawrence (1873)
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University via Wikimedia Commons
- Then: University of Kansas in Lawrence (1908)
Flickr/Ashley Van Haeften
- University of Kansas in Lawrence Now
Flickr/Patrick Emerson Originally opened in 1866, the University of Kansas was one of the state institutions in the newly created state that has since produced a number of famous alumni, the sport of basketball, and even a catchy chant (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!).
- Then: WaKeeney (c. 1960)
Flickr/Roadsidepictures
- WaKeeney Now
Get WaKeeney Facebook The iconic “Christmas City of the High Plains” was first dreamed up by local businessmen in 1950, and has since grown to the 4-block holiday phenomenon we all know and love.
- Then: Midway USA in Kinsley (Date unknown)
Flickr/Richard
- Midway USA Now
Flickr/Chris Heald Welcome to Midway USA: The only spot in the country that is the same distance from New York City as it is to San Francisco!
- Then: Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade (c.1940)
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
- Dalton Gang Hideout Now
TripAdvisor When the notorious Dalton Gang was on the run during the late-1800s, they took up residence in their sister’s Meade home, which later uncovered an elaborate underground tunnel connecting the home and barn. In 1941, the town purchased the home and turned it into a museum, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places just last year.
- Then: Hesston College in Hesston (1947)
Wikimedia Commons
- Hesston College Now
Wikimedia Commons Founded in 1909, this small private college was originally created by surrounding Mennonite families and currently boasts an enrollment of just more than 400.
For even more historic fun, check out These 14 Vintage Kansas Tourism Ads Will Have You Longing For The Good Ol’ Days!
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Rough Tough, Real Stuff
Started in 1866, the Kansas State Capitol took an unprecedented 37 years to complete, with its iconic dome not being approved until 1988. It is the second building to serve as the state’s Capitol.
TripAdvisor
While these fascinating Dakota sandstone concretions haven’t changed too much over the last 100 years, the tourists attire (and camera quality) certainly have!
Flickr/Randy
Delighting families from 1949 through 2004 was Wichita’s colorful Joyland Amusement Park, which featured childhood favorites like Louie the Clown, a wooden roller coaster, and Whacky Shack (pictured). Joyland Amusement Park still stands today, but is in poor condition.
Flickr/danzil raines
Flickr/Chris Hartman
Farming has always been a vital part of the Kansas economy, but can you imagine having to harvest with a small, open-air tractor?
Not only have the Kansas border signs changed over the last several decades, so have the roads themselves!
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University via Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Ashley Van Haeften
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
Originally opened in 1866, the University of Kansas was one of the state institutions in the newly created state that has since produced a number of famous alumni, the sport of basketball, and even a catchy chant (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!).
Flickr/Roadsidepictures
Get WaKeeney Facebook
The iconic “Christmas City of the High Plains” was first dreamed up by local businessmen in 1950, and has since grown to the 4-block holiday phenomenon we all know and love.
Flickr/Richard
Flickr/Chris Heald
Welcome to Midway USA: The only spot in the country that is the same distance from New York City as it is to San Francisco!
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
When the notorious Dalton Gang was on the run during the late-1800s, they took up residence in their sister’s Meade home, which later uncovered an elaborate underground tunnel connecting the home and barn. In 1941, the town purchased the home and turned it into a museum, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places just last year.
Founded in 1909, this small private college was originally created by surrounding Mennonite families and currently boasts an enrollment of just more than 400.
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