1. In 1845, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, which created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. This helped to open up the region to settlement and led to the eventual statehood of Kansas.

2. In 1862, the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern took place during the Civil War. This battle was fought in northwestern Arkansas but involved troops from Kansas and other states. The Union forces were able to hold off Confederate attacks, which helped to secure the Union's position in the region.

3. In 1904, the Topeka State Hospital opened its doors. This psychiatric hospital was one of the largest of its kind in the country at the time and provided care to thousands of patients over the years.

4. In 1929, the Kansas State Board of Education adopted a resolution to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools. This led to the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial and a national debate over the role of religion in education.

5. In 1968, the Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl championship. Led by quarterback Len Dawson and head coach Hank Stram, the Chiefs defeated the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV.