1. The Kansas-Nebraska Act was signed into law on August 5, 1854, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide whether or not to allow slavery. This controversial act ultimately exacerbated tensions between pro- and anti-slavery forces and helped pave the way for the Civil War.
2. On August 5, 1937, the first carillon in Kansas was installed at the University of Kansas. A carillon is a musical instrument consisting of bells that are played using a keyboard and pedals.
3. In 1965, the city of Wichita experienced a major flood on August 5 that caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. More than 100 people were injured, but fortunately there were no fatalities.
4. On August 5, 1989, Kansas Governor Mike Hayden declared a state of emergency due to severe drought conditions affecting the state's agricultural industry. The drought lasted several years and had a lasting impact on Kansas farmers and ranchers.
5. In a more lighthearted event, the world's largest ball of twine was measured on August 5, 1993 in Cawker City, Kansas. The ball weighed over 17,000 pounds and had been continuously added to by a single individual since 1953.