Kansas Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Appreciation Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every January 29
Holiday emoji:: 🌻

Kansas Day recognizes the historic admission of Kansas as the 34th U.S. state on January 29, 1861. This annual observance invites Kansans and history enthusiasts to explore the state’s heritage, celebrate its unique contributions, and educate younger generations about its pivotal role in American history. Learn about the ‘Bleeding Kansas’ era, the state’s natural beauty, and its lasting legacy.

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Expected Kansas Day Deals

Kansas Day is primarily an observance of state pride and history rather than a commercial holiday, so widespread retail promotions are not typical. However, local businesses, museums, and historical societies often offer special events and educational programs. Look for free or discounted admission at museums like the Kansas Museum of History and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Local bookstores might feature Kansas authors, and restaurants may highlight Kansas-sourced ingredients or historical dishes. We will update this page with confirmed live events as January 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for Kansas Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #KansasDay. Share insights on Kansas’s economic impact or its role in specific industries.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #KansasDay. Post historical facts, share photos of Kansas landmarks, or discuss current state initiatives.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #KansasDay. Share family stories related to Kansas history or local community events.

Kansas Day Hero

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, played a crucial role in Kansas's statehood. He signed the act admitting Kansas to the Union on January 29, 1861, just weeks before the start of the Civil War. His administration navigated the intense political and social conflicts surrounding slavery that defined the 'Bleeding Kansas' period, ultimately bringing the state into the Union as a free state.

History of Kansas Day

The United States became a sovereign republic consisting of 50 states on July 4, 1776, when people from 13 colonies united and agreed to the United States Declaration of Independence. After the 13 colonies were admitted into the union, 37 other states were also admitted at various dates in history. Kansas State was one of the 37 states that later joined the U.S. on January 29, 1861.

Kansas Day is all about commemorating the admission of Kansas as the 34th state into the union and this is observed on January 29 every year. The origin of Kansas Day dates back to 1877 when it was first celebrated by 15 to 20 schoolchildren in Paola, Kansas. These students were studying the history of the United States on January 8, 1877. Their interest sparked off when they began learning about the Battle of New Orleans, and as a result, these youngsters felt intense patriotism toward their state.

With their newfound obsession, the interest of these students to learn more about their state soon spread across to other students. The afternoon of January 29, 1877, was picked so the class could spend the day learning everything about Kansas State, from its history to the landmarks, geographical peculiarities, and natural resources.

Eventually, the teacher of the students at the time, Alexander LeGrande Copley, took the celebration of this special day with him to Wichita, Kansas, when he became the superintendent of schools. Today, the annual celebrations of Kansas Day often include field trips and school special projects to study the history of Kansas — touring the Kansas Statehouse and the Capitol in Topeka, performing the Kansas State Song, and the governor of Kansas making proclamations.

Kansas Day timeline

1854

The Kansas-Nebraska Act

The establishment of the Kansas Territory and Nebraska Territory opens the areas for settlement by the whites.

1861

Admission of Kansas State

The state of Kansas is admitted as the 34th state in the United States of America.

1874

The Grasshopper State

The state of Kansas is also nicknamed 'the grasshopper state,' as a result of its being ravaged by the grasshopper plague.

1877

The First Celebration

Kansas Day is first celebrated by schoolchildren in the city of Paola.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Kansas Day

Local Kansas businesses can honor Kansas Day by highlighting their state pride and history. Restaurants might offer specials featuring locally sourced ingredients or dishes inspired by Kansas culinary traditions. Retailers could showcase products made in Kansas or offer discounts to residents. Businesses can also partner with local historical societies or schools to sponsor educational events, share historical facts on their social media, or decorate their premises with Kansas-themed imagery like sunflowers and wheat.

Kansas Day FAQs

When is Kansas Day?

In 2027, Kansas Day will be observed on Friday, January 29. This annual celebration marks the anniversary of Kansas’s statehood.

How many people live in Kansas?

The population of Kansas remains around 2.9 million, making it a moderately sized state by population. Its residents are often referred to as Kansans or Jayhawkers.

What is the state flower of Kansas?

Kansas proudly claims the native sunflower as its state flower, a symbol deeply ingrained in its identity and landscape. It blooms vibrantly across the state’s prairies.

Is Kansas Day a federal holiday?

Kansas Day is not recognized as a federal holiday, meaning government offices and banks typically remain open. It is a day of historical and cultural reflection for the state.

Kansas Day Activities

Tour the historic sites and museums
An amazing way to celebrate Kansas day is to take a tour of the historic sites in the state of Kansas. The Capitol in Topeka is one of the best places to visit to get a glimpse of the celebration.
Read the history
Reading about the history of Kansas State and how it came to be, the founding fathers, notable Kansas, and the memorable moments in history is another exciting way to celebrate the day. Visit a library or simply browse the internet to learn more about this historic state.
Teach the history of Kansas Day
Younger folks and schoolchildren in Kansas and all over the United States need to be taught the history of Kansas so that they get to appreciate their heritage. We encourage you to celebrate this Day by teaching someone the history of Kansas Day.

5 Fun Facts About Kansas

Kansas was named by Native Americans
The name ‘Kansas’ originates from a Sioux word meaning 'people of the south wind,' as given by Northern Americans,
Sunflower showdown basketball game
As a way of celebrating the state’s history, a basketball game is occasionally played between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks on or around Kansas Day.
There’s a lot of wheat
Kansas State is famous for being the largest wheat-producing state in the U.S.
President Dwight Eisenhower
The 34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower hails from the 34th state to be admitted into the union, Kansas.
North American Datum
The geodetic center of North America is located in Meade Ranch in Osborne County, Kansas State.

Why We Love Kansas Day

History and heritage of Kansas
Kansas Day causes us to appreciate the history of the battle and the conquest of the state of Kansas. If you desire to know more about the highest wheat producer in the United State, then Kansas Day should mean something to you.
Wildlife
A tour of the state of Kansas offers the tourists endless opportunities to see different kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat. A visit to Kansas promises to be an unforgettable experience, and we are excited that many are taking that step to see somewhere new
Sunflowers
Also named the Sunflower State, Kansas has fields of sunflowers blooming every late summer. This scene of sunflowers makes for a perfect backdrop for any photo.