Kansas Kicks-Off Sesquicentennial with Kansas Day

As the country gears up for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, history enthusiasts will be interested in learning the key role Kansas played in the actual beginning of the Civil War. The border wars between Kansas and Missouri and Kansas’s decision to be a free or slave state created an epicenter of events that led up to the Civil War. The Battle of Black Jack was the beginning of Civil War combat in Kansas, and is also the site where a growing number of historians agree that the American Civil War began. 

Celebrating its 150th birthday, Kansas will kick-off the year’s celebrations with Kansas Day on January 29, 2011. Planned activities for the entire weekend will take place at the State Capitol, at the Kansas Museum of History and at a number of historic sites throughout the state including Constitution Hall in Lecompton, Fort Hays, the John Brown Museum in Osawatomie and Kaw Mission in Council Grove. 

Practically every community in Kansas will be celebrating the Sesquicentennial. Its capital, Topeka, has played a significant role in the nation’s fight for freedom since its inception in 1854. Apart from special functions, visitors can experience Topeka’s pivotal role in American history at several first-class attractions including the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site & Museum, The Kansas Museum of History and the Kansas State Capitol. While you’re there, explore Topeka’s colorful past while experiencing the amenities of the present day, including 20 fascinating attractions, 16 art galleries, five performing arts facilities, established annual events, delectable dining and unique shopping.

For more information about top events in Kansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kansas.

To see a listing of events celebrating the Sesquicentennial throughout the year, visit www.TravelKS.com, and click on the 150th icon.