1. In 1858, Kansas was admitted as the 34th state of the United States. The state was initially known for its turbulent history, including the "Bleeding Kansas" conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces that occurred prior to statehood.

2. On May 12, 1964, the Kansas State Board of Education approved new rules that mandated teachers to lead students in a daily recitation of the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The rule was challenged in court and eventually overturned as unconstitutional.

3. In 1971, the National Teachers Hall of Fame was established in Emporia, Kansas. The Hall of Fame honors outstanding teachers from across the United States and serves as a resource center for educators.

4. May 12, 1883 marked the end of a 14-year construction project for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The railroad company had laid tracks across Kansas and ultimately connected the Midwest and the West Coast of the United States.

5. On May 12, 2008, a devastating tornado tore through the town of Greensburg, Kansas, destroying most of the town and killing 11 people. The EF5 tornado sparked a rebuilding effort focused on sustainability and "green" practices, resulting in the town becoming a model for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly communities.