1. In 1861, Kansas was admitted into the Union as the 34th state. The state's motto is "Ad Astra Per Aspera," which means "To the Stars Through Difficulties."

2. In 1934, a major dust storm swept through southwest Kansas, causing significant damage to crops and property. Dust storms were a common occurrence during the Dust Bowl era in the 1930s, as a result of over-farming and drought conditions.

3. In 1985, Kansas City Royals player George Brett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Brett played for the Royals for his entire career (1973-1993) and is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history.

4. In 1991, the "Great Flood of 1991" occurred in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. The flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, and the resulting damage was estimated to be around $1 billion.

5. In 2013, the Wichita State Shockers men's basketball team achieved a 19-0 record, the best start to a season in school history. The team would go on to reach the NCAA Final Four that season.