1. In 1855, Kansas Governor Wilson Shannon issued a proclamation ordering the disbandment of all militias in the territory. This order was in response to growing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, which would eventually lead to the outbreak of violence known as "Bleeding Kansas."
2. In 1864, Confederate General Sterling Price led his army into Kansas during his ill-fated raid into the north. The Battle of Westport, fought on October 23, was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi and prevented Price from continuing his advance.
3. On December 23, 1937, the first highway tunnel in Kansas opened to traffic. The East Topeka Tunnel, located on US-40 between Topeka and Lawrence, was a major engineering feat and helped improve transportation in the state.
4. In 1954, the Wichita Vortex Sucks was the headline of a humorous article in Sports Illustrated, which touted the success of Wichita State University's basketball team. The article helped put Wichita on the map as a basketball town and inspired the nickname "Shockers" for the university's sports teams.
5. On December 23, 1985, Kansas Governor John Carlin signed legislation creating the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. The byway stretches for 47 miles along US-177 through the rolling Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas, offering stunning views of the unique prairie landscape.