1. Kansas became the 34th state in the Union on January 10, 1861. This came just months before the outbreak of the Civil War, and Kansas played a significant role in the conflict as a border state.

2. In 1901, the state's first official flag was adopted on January 10th. The flag features a blue field with the state seal in the center, and it remains the official flag of Kansas to this day.

3. On January 10, 1925, a massive blizzard struck the state, bringing snow and high winds that paralyzed transportation and wiped out electricity for days. Many communities were stranded without food or water, and the storm claimed over 20 lives.

4. Noted scientist and inventor George Washington Carver visited Kansas State University on January 10, 1931, to speak on his work with peanuts and other crops. The visit was meant to inspire Kansas farmers to diversify their crops and improve their soil quality.

5. One of Kansas's most famous sons, astronaut Ron Evans, passed away on January 10, 1990. Evans was part of the Apollo 17 mission and the last person to orbit the moon alone. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of Kansans to reach for the stars.