1. Kansas became the 34th state on May 8, 1861. This made it one of the first states to be admitted to the Union during the Civil War, and it played a significant role in the conflict due to its position on the Western front.

2. A devastating tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas on May 8, 2007, destroying 95% of the town and killing 11 people. The tornado was rated as an EF-5, the most severe classification possible, and was one of the strongest tornadoes ever recorded in the United States.

3. On May 8, 1926, aviator Charles Lindbergh landed his plane at the Wichita Municipal Airport during his tour of the United States. Lindbergh would go on to make history the following year by completing the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Kansas-born journalist William Allen White won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing on May 8, 1923. White was known for his progressive views and outspoken criticism of corruption in politics, and his work helped shape public opinion on a wide range of issues.

5. The Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas opened to the public on May 8, 1960. The museum showcases the history and culture of the United States Army on the Western frontier from the 19th century to the present day, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.