1. Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861, but it wasn't until April 28, 1864 that the state officially began its state flower. The wild sunflower was chosen, as it was abundant throughout the state and a source of food for both wildlife and humans.

2. In 1930, the infamous "Dust Bowl" began to ravage the Great Plains region of the United States, including Kansas. This led to massive dust storms that destroyed crops, caused widespread respiratory problems, and forced many families to abandon their farms.

3. On April 28, 1951, the University of Kansas men's basketball team won their first NCAA championship with a 68-58 victory over the University of Kentucky. The team was led by future hall-of-famer Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 36 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in the championship game.

4. In 1996, a massive tornado outbreak struck the central United States, including Kansas. Over 40 tornadoes touched down in just one day, causing extensive damage and killing 25 people in the state alone.

5. April 28, 2008 marked the beginning of the Great Recession, a global financial crisis that lasted for several years and had a profound impact on the American economy. Many businesses and homeowners in Kansas were affected, with foreclosures and job losses becoming increasingly common.