1. In 1867, the first train arrived in Abilene, Kansas, marking the start of the cattle trade era in the town. Abilene became a major shipping point for cattle drives, and its reputation as a wild and woolly cow town grew.

2. In 1951, the University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team won its first NCAA championship, defeating the University of Kentucky Wildcats 68-58 in the final. The victory was the beginning of a storied basketball tradition at the school, which has won three additional national titles since.

3. In 1911, Walter Chrysler, famous for founding the Chrysler Corporation, moved to Wichita and won a contract to build cars for the Buick Motor Company. He would later become president of Buick and then form his own successful auto company.

4. In 1980, a tornado struck the town of Woodson, Kansas, killing two people and injuring over 20. The storm caused significant damage to homes and businesses and remains one of the deadliest tornadoes to ever strike the state.

5. In 1864, a band of Confederate guerrillas led by William Quantrill raided the town of Mound City, Kansas, killing several Union soldiers and civilians. The attack was part of Quantrill's infamous raid on Lawrence, Kansas, which resulted in the deaths of over 150 men and boys.