1. In 1868, the University of Kansas was founded in Lawrence, a city located in the eastern part of the state. The university was established under the Morrill Act, which designated funding for land-grant colleges across the United States.

2. On February 19, 1910, a deadly tornado struck the town of Wellington in south-central Kansas, killing 111 people and injuring over 1,000 more. The tornado, which was part of a larger outbreak across the Great Plains, is still considered one of the deadliest in Kansas history.

3. In 1942, during World War II, the U.S. Army established Camp Phillips near Salina, in central Kansas. The camp was used for training soldiers and was home to over 20,000 servicemen during the war. After the war ended, the camp was decommissioned and the land was returned to civilian use.

4. In 1971, the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Capitol, which was completed in 1903, is known for its iconic dome and stunning architecture. It remains the seat of government for the state of Kansas.

5. On February 19, 1995, the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team set an NCAA record by winning their 26th consecutive game. The team, led by coach Roy Williams, would go on to win their conference championship and make it to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament that year.