1. In 1856, John Brown and his Free State supporters engaged in a conflict with pro-slavery forces at the Battle of Osawatomie. This skirmish was a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Civil War.

2. On August 28, 1938, Jesse Owens broke three world records and tied another during the Big Six Track Meet in Lawrence, Kansas. Owens's performance was a stunning display of athletic prowess at a time when racial tensions were high in America.

3. The Kansas State Fair, one of the state's most beloved annual events, traditionally kicks off on August 28. For more than a century, the fair has celebrated the best of Kansas agriculture, crafts, and culture.

4. In 1970, a major tornado swept through Topeka, killing 16 people and injuring hundreds more. The storm caused significant damage to the city's infrastructure and left a lasting impact on the community.

5. On August 28, 1961, the first segment of the Kansas Turnpike opened to motorists. This toll road system would go on to span more than 230 miles across the state, providing a fast and efficient way for commuters and travelers to get around Kansas.