Topeka

Topeka
It was in December of 1854, when nine men from the city of Lawrence laid foundations of the town of Topeka on the banks of river Kansas. Nobody knew at that time that this small town will play a significant role in American history.

Topekans played important role in bringing diverse changes in American civil society. One of the remarkable achievements of the city is the battle for putting an end to slavery when Kansas achieved statehood.

South of Topeka became home for meetings for the free-state faction and it is the very land where Kansass early Womens Suffrage Movement started Finally when in 1861 Kansas was admitted as the 34th state of United States of America, Topeka was chosen as the state capital.

Cyrus K. Holiday donated a land to the state to build a new state capitol. Cyrus K. Holiday is regarded as a father of Topeka who jotted down the charter for Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway now known as the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway. Bothe railroads became Topekas major industries for over a century. Topeka became the main hub as the railways expanded westward.

Topekans strongly believed in the wonders of educated minds and they worked hard to provide best institutions and learning opportunities. College of Sisters of Bethany was established by the Episcopal Church. Commonly known as the Wellsley of the West, college provided excellent educational opportunities for young ladies. It was the time when colleges for girls were rarely found.

Establishment of Lincoln College was another milestone in the history of Kansas. 160 acres of land was donated for the construction of college building by the State of Kansas and the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas. Col. John Ritchie.

Lincoln College was established in 1865 by the State of Kansas and the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas. 1868 college as renamed as Washburn, eventually becoming a university. Washburn university is the last city chartered university in United states of America. In 1966 University was renovated after a terrible tornado hit Kansas destroying most of the universitys establishments.

Topeka is home to many notable personalities in the history of United states. Amongst them is Gwendolyn Brooks: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, William C. and Karl Menninger: psychiatrists and founders of the Menninger Clinic, Ron Evans: astronaut and commander of the pilot ship on Apollo 17, Coleman Hawkins: jazz saxophonist, Langston Hughes: poet and author, Alf Landon:

Kansas governor and 1936 Republican presidential candidate, Charles Curtis: vice-president under Herbert Hoover (The only vice-president of Native American descent), Charles Sheldon: author of In His Steps, Arthur Capper: editor and politician, Kansas governor and U.S. Senator: Georgia, Neese Gray: first female treasurer of the United States and many more.

In Kansas, city of Topeka is a must visit place. Topeka has a lot to offer to visitors, it is home to more than 20 first-class attractions and a rich local culture which makes the city a main tourist attraction.

Brown v. Board National Historic Site & Museum ? is an interactive, experiential museum. You will travel through the time and experience the making of American history. Most notable era is when in 1954 Supreme Court decided to desegregate public schools.

Museum is open seven days a week 9 - 5, except Christmas and thanksgiving. Kansas Museum of History ? muse yourself with the 1880s Atchison. History museum takes you through the historical events of establishment of Topeka & Santa Fe Railway locomotive, a full-sized Cheyenne tipi and a covered wagon.

You may also experience the architectural designs of local log houses and get the feel of native culture at Kansas Museum of History. It is open all through the week except Sundays and state holidays.

Old Prairie Town at Historic Ward-Meade Park ? If you wish to enjoy the ambiance of early settlers and pioneer village of Topeka then visiting Old prairie town is must see place. You can visit the lush green botanical gardens and enjoy the meal by the side of functioning soda fountain.

Kansas State Capitol ? Kansas state capitol building takes you through the history in graphical presentation through murals and sculptures.