Happy Birthday, Kansas!

 Events
Jan 292024
 

Kansas State Flag

Sunflowers

Kansas became the thirty-fourth state of the United States in 1861. Kansas is known chiefly for its agricultural products, including wheat and cattle. The state capital is Topeka. Kansas ranks fifteenth in area and 34th in population. The geographic center of the United States is located near Lebanon, Kansas. The state animal is the buffalo. Children could visit Kansas. Idea: The sunflower is the state’s official wild flower. Children could toast and eat sunflower seeds.

Colorado Territory Was Created in 1861

 Events
Feb 282024
 
Colorado State Flag

Current Colorado State Flag

Colorado Territory was created in 1861. The borders of the Colorado Territory were the same as the current borders of the state of Colorado. Because gold had been found in the Pikes Peak region, the federal government wanted to establish firm boundaries. The Civil War then delayed statehood. The territory was dissolved when Colorado became the thirty-eighth state on August 1, 1876.

Civil War Began in 1861

 Events
Apr 122024
 
Fort Sumter Today

Fort Sumter Today

Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina. Children can view images of Fort Sumter today and the fort during the Civil War at: http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm. Children could color on a map the states that became the Confederacy, the states that remained in the Union, and the areas that were not states then. The Civil War ended April 9, 1865.

Transcontinental Telegraph Was Completed in 1861

 Events
Oct 242024
 
Morse's Conception of Transcontinental Telegraph

Morse’s Conception of Transcontinental Telegraph

Transcontinental Telegraph was completed in 1861. It was constructed in units and then joined together. Ending the need for the Pony Express, the telegraph operated until 1869 when a multi-line telegraph was constructed parallel to the Transcontinental Railroad. Children could learn more at: America’s Library.