1. Kansas became the 34th state on January 29, 1861, but August 24 marks the day in 1855 when the first territorial election was held in the region that would become the state. The controversial election was marred by voter fraud and violence, but it ultimately resulted in the establishment of a pro-slavery government.

2. On August 24, 1864, Union troops under the command of General Samuel Curtis clashed with Confederate soldiers led by General Sterling Price in the Battle of Marais des Cygnes. The battle, which took place in eastern Kansas, was part of Price's ill-fated invasion of Missouri and ended in a decisive Union victory.

3. August 24, 1875, is the birthday of Rose McConnell Long, a prominent political figure in Louisiana and the wife of Senator Huey P. Long. Though she was born in Kansas, Rose spent much of her life in Louisiana and played a key role in her husband's political career, helping him win his first election and acting as his chief advisor.

4. In 1936, Kansas City resident John W. Redmond made history when he became the first African American to be elected to the Kansas state legislature. Redmond, a lawyer and civil rights activist, fought for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups during his time in office.

5. August 24, 2020, saw the opening of the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming, just across the border from Kansas. The museum, which has been in the works for more than two decades, features a collection of over 130 vehicles, including tanks, trucks, and jeeps, as well as historical artifacts and memorabilia from a variety of eras and conflicts.