Do you think you know all there is to know about the state of Kansas? Yes? No? Either way, it’s time to brush up on a little Kansas history, beginning with:

1. Before the United States was even established, the Kansas territory switched back and forth between the hands of Spain and France.
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2. During Lincoln's first call, Kansas sent 650 men to fight in the Civil War. Before the war ended, nearly 20,000 men fought.
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At the time, there were only 30,000 men of military age in the state.
3. Kansas was derived from a Sioux word meaning “people of the south wind”.
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4. Kansas suffered more causalities than any other state in the Union Army.
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Their grand total of casualties was 8,500.
5. Before becoming a member of the Union, the territory was nicknamed "Bleeding Kansas."
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The reason for the nickname was because of the violence between pro and anti-slavery supporters.
6. Fort Riley was established near the Kansas River to protect trade along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.
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7. During the Civil War, the 7th Calvary organized at Fort Riley under General George Custer.
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Custer would go on to lead the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
8. Several travelers on the Oregon Trail ended their journey in Kansas because of the possibilities of the land.
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Many settlers returned later to take advantage of the lush farmland.
9. In the late 1850s, word spread of possible gold in the western part of the territory, which lead many miners through the Sunflower State.
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10. It took several attempts to admit Kansas into the United States.
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The first attempt took place in 1855, but was never seriously considered by Congress. The second attempt, which was made in 1857, was rejected at its second election when proslavery men refused to take part. Several years (and tries) later, Kansas was admitted to the Union.

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