1. On April 12, 1930, the city of Lawrence, Kansas was struck by a large tornado. The tornado caused extensive damage, destroying homes and buildings and leaving many people homeless. It was one of the deadliest tornadoes in Kansas history, killing 12 people and injuring 125.

2. In 1861, on April 12th, Confederate forces attacked and fired on Fort Sumter, a federal fort in Charleston, South Carolina. This event marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Many Kansans went on to fight for the Union Army in this conflict.

3. On April 12, 1916, the town of Dunlap, Kansas was destroyed by a large fire that started in a hotel. The fire spread quickly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, and ultimately destroyed most of the town's buildings.

4. April 12, 1955 saw the birth of Kansas native and famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz. Leibovitz has photographed many celebrities and public figures throughout her career, including Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama, and Mick Jagger.

5. In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away on April 12th while in office. Kansans, like the rest of the nation, mourned his passing and remembered his leadership during World War II.