What is the capital city of Kansas?
The capital of Kansas is Topeka. The city was founded in 1854, and today it serves as the seat of Douglas County. It’s also the state’s fourth-largest city, with an estimated population of more than 127,000 people. Topeka is located in the centre of Kansas, making it easy to get around from any part of the state.
When did Topeka become the capital of Kansas?
The capital of Kansas was moved from Lecompton to Topeka in 1861. The reason for this relocation was that Topeka, which was larger and more centrally located than Lecompton, would be better suited as the state’s capital.
In addition to being a much larger city with a population of 15,000 compared to 5,000 for Lecompton, Topeka also had better railroad access and infrastructure for moving goods and people around the country.
History of Topeka
Topeka is the capital city of Kansas. It was founded in 1854 and became the state’s capital in 1861. The city was named for the Kansa Native American tribe that lived there, though it’s also been called “The City of Saints” because several churches were established there at its founding.
The first settlers in Topeka came from both Kentucky and Tennessee because they were looking for land to grow crops on, but did not want to risk going farther west at that time because the Civil War was still going on.
The city was named after a Delaware Indian chief who had been adopted into the Shawnee tribe. Topeka is still home to many Native Americans and their descendants, as well as many people from around the country and around the world who have come to live, work, or study there.
Topeka became a centre for trade, commerce, and education during its early years as a town. Its rapid growth can be attributed to several factors: it was on the route between St. Louis and Santa Fe; it had access to water transportation via two rivers, and its location made it an ideal place for many businesses to find success.
Topeka Geography and climate
Topeka is located in the centre of the state of Kansas, about 75 miles west of Wichita. The city is in a low-lying area that was once a lake bed and has been known to flood during heavy rainstorms.
The climate in Topeka can be described as humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are typically very hot with temperatures reaching into the 100s Fahrenheit, while winters tend to be milder but still below freezing.
Topeka experiences an average of 31 days per year with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and an average of 8 days per year with temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fun Facts About Topeka
- Topeka is home to the world’s first two-story, brick-clad building. The building was built in 1868 and is still standing today.
- The world’s first hamburger restaurant was opened in Topeka in 1885 by Louis Lassen.
- Topeka was also originally known as “Pleasant Valley.”
- The first telephone book was published in Topeka in 1878 by the Western Union Telegraph Company.
- The first permanent circus performance in the United States took place at the Topeka State Fairgrounds in 1879.
More Interesting Facts About Topeka
Conclusion
You can learn more about the history of Topeka and its role as Kansas’ capital city by visiting the Kansas Historical Society.
