1. Battle of Westport: During the Civil War, the largest battle in Missouri's history was fought on October 23, 1864, which is often referred to as the Battle of Westport. However, the fighting actually began on July 3, 1864, when Confederate General Sterling Price's troops started approaching the outskirts of Kansas City. The Union forces, led by Major General Alfred Pleasanton, engaged in a skirmish with the Confederates at Byram's Ford, south of the city, in an attempt to delay their advance.

2. Amelia Earhart's birthplace: On July 24, 1897, Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas. She went on to become a pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to Atchison can tour her childhood home, which has been restored to its early 20th century appearance.

3. Wichita State plane crash: On October 2, 1970, a plane carrying the Wichita State University football team crashed in Colorado, killing 31 people, including 14 players. The team had played a game in Logan, Utah, and was en route to Wichita when the accident occurred. The tragedy devastated the university and the city, and is still remembered today.

4. Sunflower State Games: The Sunflower State Games is an annual amateur sports festival that brings together athletes from across Kansas to compete in a wide range of events, from basketball and soccer to archery and fencing. The first games were held on July 25, 1990, and have since become a popular summer tradition in the state.

5. Big Well Museum: The Big Well Museum in Greensburg, Kansas, houses the world's largest hand-dug well, which was drilled in the late 19th century to provide water to the town's residents. The well is 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter, and visitors can take a tour of the underground tunnel system that was used to distribute the water. The museum also features exhibits showcasing the history of Greensburg and the surrounding area.