1. On July 11, 1861, the first engagement of the Civil War in the state of Kansas occurred near Fort Leavenworth. Union troops under Colonel James H. Lane defeated Confederate guerrillas in what became known as the Battle of Blacksnake Creek.

2. In 1930, the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team, a member of the Negro National League, defeated the House of David baseball team 16-3 on July 11. The House of David team was known for their long hair and beards, which were part of their religious beliefs.

3. On July 11, 1944, B-29 Superfortress bombers from the 20th Air Force in Kansas dropped bombs on the Japanese city of Kawanishi. This was the first mission carried out by the newly created XXI Bomber Command, which would go on to conduct numerous strategic bombing missions during World War II.

4. In 1958, the All-Star Game of the Major League Baseball season was held in Kansas City on July 11. The game ended in a tie, prompting changes in the rules that allowed for extra innings in future All-Star Games.

5. On July 11, 1960, Governer George Docking signed the Kansas Fair Housing Act into law, making it illegal to discriminate against someone in the rental or sale of housing based on their race, color, religion, or national origin. The act was seen as a step forward for civil rights in the state.