1. In 1862, the Battle of Antietam took place in Maryland, but Kansas troops played a significant role in the Union victory. Around 4,000 Kansans fought in the battle, and several Kansas regiments suffered heavy casualties.

2. In 1877, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway completed a new bridge over the Arkansas River in Wichita. This allowed for greater access to the town and helped boost its economy.

3. In 1906, the city of Wichita hosted the first National Corn Exposition. The event drew nearly 300,000 visitors and helped establish Kansas as a major player in the agricultural industry.

4. In 1937, a tornado swept through Topeka, killing 10 people and causing extensive damage. The storm remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Kansas history.

5. In 1958, the first Pizza Hut restaurant opened its doors in Wichita. The chain, which was founded by two Kansas brothers, eventually grew into a global franchise with thousands of locations.