Population: 2 871.238 thousand people (2011)
Area: 213096.0 sq. km
Topeka is capital of the state of Kansas in the central part of the United States. One of its major cities is Wichita. The local territory occupies priority places for growing wheat, so the state is called the breadbasket of the country. The symbolic tree of the state is the poplar, the flower is the sunflower. The name Kansas is an Indian word meaning people of the south wind.
Most of Kansas is occupied by the Great Plains. Its northern borders are near Nebraska, in the east with Missouri, in the west with Colorado, in the south with Oklahoma. Large rivers are the Arkansas and the Missouri, which belong to the basin of the North American Mississippi River. In the state, cold winters and hot summers are due to the continental climate. Sharp temperature drops and weather changes often occur here due to the territory being unprotected from cold air masses from Canada and warm air from the southern regions and the Gulf of Mexico. When contrasting air currents collide, tornadoes occur. Sometimes there are droughts here. The windiest city is Dodge City.
The Spanish conquistador Coronado first appeared in these places in 1541. A little later, the French began to explore these places. In 1803, during the Louisiana Purchase, the United States acquired local lands. Thus, Kansas became the 34th state of the country. During the Civil War in Kansas, bloody battles were fought between opponents and supporters of slavery. As a result of the construction of rail lines in the postwar period, the cities of Abilene and Dodge City became major stations for loading and transporting livestock from Texas.
The local places are rich in mineral deposits, including limestone, sandstone, chalk, flagstone, refractory clay, black shale, and salt. The main river is the Missouri, through which 4 bridges are laid. They connect the railroads of Kansas with the state of Missouri. Less full-flowing rivers are the Solomon, Saline, Arkansas, Smoky Hill, Republican. Part of the water arteries are used for land irrigation. Elm, ash, sycamore, pican, oak, maple, linden, fruit trees and shrubs grow in numerous forests. In ancient times, herds of chamois, bison, antelopes, wild horses grazed in the vast meadows of the state, which have now become rare. In the autumn, hunters and fishermen visit these places, as numerous game species live here, and there are a large number of fish in the rivers.
KANSAS CITY
Population: 146.866 thousand people (2000)
Area: 331.0 sq. km
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 266 m
The American city of Kansas City is part of the state of Kansas. Kansas City lies on one of the banks of the Missouri. This American city was formed in 1868. Judge Hiram Stevens issued an order that called for the first city elections in the fall of 1872. Eight years later, Kansas City was declared a second-class city by the Governor of Kansas.
In art, there are even several references to the city. The setting of the anime “Battle Angel” is Kansas City in the twenty-sixth century, where the space elevator is located. In addition, Kansas City dedicated the rock and roll song of the same name. This song has been performed by many artists, but the most famous of all were the Beatles.
In economic terms, the city is famous for its car factory “GM”. This plant produces such brands of cars: Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura. The city also has its own football team called the Sporting Kansas City. This American football club plays in the top football division – MLS.
OVERLAND PARK
Population: 173.372 thousand people (2010)
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 331 m
Overland Park is the second most populous city in the state in Kansas. The city was founded by William Strang Jr., an American railroad tycoon, in 1905. Much of this unique city lies in the watershed of the Blue River. Overland Park is located in a zone between a humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate.
The city is famous for a large number of picturesque and comfortable parks for recreation. In park areas, you can enjoy natural scenery and actively spend time on golf courses, volleyball beaches, tennis courts and basketball courts. Hiking and cycling routes are thought out and equipped. For example, near the unique and beautiful “Blue River” there are trails for cyclists. They are located in the Red Bridge area and attract the attention of not only exotic lovers, but also extreme sports.
The attention of tourists is attracted by the luxurious Arboretum and the Botanical Garden. It is interesting to visit Strang Carriage House – a historical building and museum in Overland Park. Since 1990, it has opened a collection of objects that reveal the history of the city and its environs since its founding. For connoisseurs of quality products, it is advisable to visit the farmers’ market, where you can buy food directly from farmers (producers). The farmers’ market is not only a food hub, but also fully reflects the local culture, economy and living standards of the city. You can also visit one of the best shopping centers in the city, Oak Park Mall, which has about 164 stores.
Art connoisseurs mainly visit Overland Park Convention Center Park and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Nermal, as the numerous conference rooms of these museums host famous exhibitions of world-famous artists.
HUTCHINSON
Population: 41.962 thousand people (2010)
Area: 58.9 sq. km
Founded: 1871
City status since: 1872
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 468 m
Hutchinson is the largest city in Reno County. The salt industry is the backbone of the local economy. The city was founded in the second half of the 19th century according to the project of the then well-known Santa Fe Railroad company, headed by Clinton Hutchinson. He wanted the future city to be inhabited by people with high moral principles, so the sale of alcoholic beverages in local stores was prohibited. The settlement received its city status a year after the official date of foundation. Despite the fact that the ban on alcohol was lifted here in 1876, the city remained as before a quiet settlement. After 10 years, a new railway line passed through its territory, connecting Herington and Pratt.
In the 1930s, a golf club was founded in Hutchinson. Initially, there were 9 holes on its field. After 20 years, their number has exactly doubled. And now the golf club is considered the owner of the best fields. The territory of the modern city also includes water resources. The Arkansas River flows through its southern region, and Cow Creek flows through its western region. Approximately 73 kilometers separate Hutchinson from Wichita and 311 from the Kansas City metropolitan area. Dry winters and wet summers are the climatic features of these places. The lowest temperatures are in January. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in May. July is considered the warmest month.
After the discovery of salt deposits near South Hutchinson at the end of the 19th century, salt processing enterprises began to appear here. Until almost 1923, water was used for its extraction. It was poured into the wells, and then the brine was pumped out. Subsequently, some companies began to use the mine method of extraction. The unique climate of the worked-out salt mines became the basis for the creation of an underground storage here. It contains important documents, television and film recordings.
Local attractions include: Kansas Cosmosphere Center, Cary Park with lakes, a boat station, golf courses, water attractions, the Prairie Dunes Country Club, opened in 1937. The exhibits of the Stratak Museum tell about the history of the development of salt mining. The Fox Theatre, built in 1930, is a historical monument.
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, has a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage that has shaped its development over the years. From its early days as a river crossing and trading post to its role as the seat of government for the state of Kansas, Topeka has played a significant part in the history of the American Midwest. Additionally, the city’s climate, characterized by distinct seasons, influences the activities and lifestyle of its residents.
The history of Topeka can be traced back to the mid-19th century when European-American settlers began establishing communities in the Kansas Territory. The town was officially founded in 1854 when it was chosen as the endpoint of the Free-State side of the historic Oregon Trail, a major westward migration route. Its strategic location at the crossing of the Kansas River made it a vital transportation hub, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce.
Topeka played a pivotal role in the tumultuous events leading up to the Civil War. The city became a focal point for the struggle over the issue of slavery in the Kansas Territory. In 1857, Topeka was designated as the capital of the newly established state of Kansas, and the Free State Capitol, now known as the Constitution Hall, was constructed. The struggle between Free-State and pro-slavery factions in Kansas played a role in the larger national debate and set the stage for the events that would unfold during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Topeka served as a crucial center for Union activities in the region. After the war, the city experienced growth and development, with the establishment of educational institutions, including Washburn University in 1865. The city continued to expand as it became a hub for government, commerce, and agriculture.
According to 3rjewelry, Topeka’s climate is characterized by four distinct seasons typical of the American Midwest. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-35°C). Winters are cold, with average highs in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (-1 to 7°C). The city experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with occasional snowfall in the winter months.
The changing seasons contribute to a variety of outdoor activities enjoyed by Topeka residents. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including Gage Park, which features a zoo, botanical gardens, and a train. The Kansas River, flowing through the city, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
In the mid-20th century, Topeka faced challenges related to racial segregation and inequality, highlighted by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, marking a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. The Brown v. Board National Historic Site in Topeka commemorates this pivotal moment in American history.
Topeka has continued to evolve as a modern city, with a diverse economy that includes government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. The city has invested in revitalizing its downtown area, with the NOTO Arts District (North Topeka Arts District) emerging as a cultural hub featuring galleries, studios, and events.
Education remains a central focus for Topeka, with Washburn University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine contributing to the city’s intellectual and cultural vibrancy. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, recognized for its innovative programs, serves as a community hub for learning and engagement.
Topeka, Kansas, is a city with a rich history that reflects the broader narrative of westward expansion, the struggles over slavery, and the Civil War. Today, Topeka stands as the capital city of Kansas, proud of its cultural heritage and committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The city’s climate, marked by distinct seasons, adds to the diverse range of experiences enjoyed by its residents and contributes to the outdoor lifestyle and recreational opportunities in the heart of the American Midwest.
