1. In 1854, the first meeting to establish the Kansas-Nebraska Act was held in Lawrence, Kansas. This act would allow newly admitted states to decide on whether or not to allow slavery.

2. On October 16, 1864, the Battle of Mine Creek occurred in Linn County, Kansas. This was the largest cavalry battle in the Civil War, with over 10,000 troops fighting, and resulted in a Union victory.

3. In 1901, the Kansas State Teachers College was founded in Emporia, Kansas. Now known as Emporia State University, it is one of six universities in the state.

4. On this day in 1918, the Sedgwick County Zoo opened in Wichita, Kansas. It is the largest outdoor wildlife exhibit in the state.

5. In 2004, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke set a record for the most strikeouts in a season by a pitcher aged 20 or younger, with 111 strikeouts. He would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 2009.