Here are 5 interesting facts about January 15 in Kansas history:

1. Kansas became the 34th state in the Union on January 15, 1861. It was admitted as a free state, after much debate and violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the territory.

2. On January 15, 1908, the Kansas State Normal School (later Emporia State University) was established in Emporia, Kansas. It was the third public university in the state and is now known for its education and business programs.

3. In 1918, the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka was damaged by fire on January 15th. The dome collapsed and many historical artifacts and records were lost. Reconstruction efforts continued for several years and the Capitol was finally restored to its original appearance.

4. January 15, 1933, saw the birth of Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife, Coretta Scott King, in Heiberger, Alabama. Although she was not born in Kansas, Coretta Scott King visited the state many times to speak about civil rights and social justice.

5. On January 15, 1961, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra performed its first concert at the Topeka Civic Theatre. Today, the orchestra is still active and performs a variety of classical and contemporary music throughout the year.