Posted in Kansas
September 05, 2017
Some People Don’t Know That Kansans Were The First To Do These 9 Things
Kansas isn’t always the first state you think of when you’re looking for great firsts. However, Kansans are responsible for some pretty important inventions that you see all the time, as well as some milestones you might not track back to Kansas. These 9 people and what they’ve done for Kansas and for the world are recorded in history forever. Do you know of any other great Kansans who were the first of their kind?
A man born in Centralia found a love for mechanics, and through that love he created the rotary blade helicopter. It's no wonder, because with all this sky around, you've just gotta look up!
Susan Madora Salter became America's first woman mayor in 1887. She served as the mayor of Argonia, and was part of the prohibition party.
Though we all know about Amsterdam, this version of the phrase got it's start in Dodge City. It originated from the Red Light House, a saloon that ended up coining the term for Americans.
We've all heard about our favorite pilot, Amelia Earhart. She's famous for her disappearance, but also her fantastic achievements. In addition, she's a beloved symbol of Kansas and our conquering of the sky above.
Okay, so maybe this one hasn't been life-changing for most people, but it's not every state that starts a national craze. Dan and Frank Carney opened the first one in Wichita in 1958.
Hattie McDaniel, the beloved singer and actress, received her Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With The Wind. Her performance and reward inspired many others to follow their dreams, and become actors themselves.
The first national hamburger chain was born right here in Kansas, founded by Walt Anderson and Billy Ingram. In 1921, it predated Cozy Inn by only a year, and became famous for it's sliders. However, we no longer have any White Castle restaurants in Kansas to sample, unfortunately.
What started as a very warm summer ended in an invention by Mr. Knedlik that changed the nation. His first model used a car air conditioning unit to freeze his drinks and turn them into the best summer treat.
If you’re feeling extra nostalgic, here’s some of the first photos ever taken in Kansas.
