1. On December 15, 1855, Lawrence, Kansas was founded as a free-state settlement by a group of anti-slavery activists. The town would become a center of conflict during the Civil War and a hub of abolitionist activity in the state.
2. In 1870, the Kansas State Agricultural College (now known as Kansas State University) was founded on December 15. The college would become a leader in agricultural research and education, and today has a strong emphasis on engineering and technology as well.
3. On December 15, 1882, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway completed its "Second District" line, which connected Newton to Dodge City. This helped to open up western Kansas to settlement and commerce, and the Santa Fe line became a significant player in the state's transportation industry.
4. In 1924, the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City was dedicated on December 15. The memorial honors the soldiers who served in World War I and is one of the largest war memorials in the country. It also serves as the National World War I Museum and hosts a variety of exhibits and events related to the conflict.
5. On December 15, 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the AFC West division title with a win over the Denver Broncos. This was their fourth consecutive division title and helped to secure their spot in the upcoming NFL playoffs. The Chiefs would ultimately go on to win Super Bowl LIV in February 2020.