What is the tallest building in Topeka KS?
In the late 1800s, it was common for government offices to have sinks and sometimes even baths, due to long and dusty travel conditions. The Capitol is the tallest building in Topeka. It’s not a city ordinance, but a taller building has never been approved.
How did Topeka get its name?
The name "Topeka" is a Kansa-Osage word that means "place where we dug potatoes", or "a good place to dig potatoes". As a placename, Topeka was first recorded in 1826 as the Kansa name for what is now called the Kansas River. Topeka's founders chose the name in 1855 because it "was novel, of Indian origin, and euphonious of sound."
What is the history of the Kansas Capitol?
The Kansas Capitol is the second tallest, out of 38, traditional dome Capitols in the United States. The Ad Astra statue was added to the dome after schoolchildren voted for it. Representing a Kaw warrior pointing his arrow at the North Star, the sculpture was crafted by Richard Bergen.
Why is Topeka named Topeka?
Topeka's founders chose the name in 1855 because it "was novel, of Indian origin, and euphonious of sound.".
What does the name Topeka mean?
The name "Topeka" is a Kansa-Osage word that means "place where we dug potatoes", or "a good place to dig potatoes". As a placename, Topeka was first recorded in 1826 as the Kansa name for what is now called the Kansas River. Topeka's founders chose the name in 1855 because it "was novel, of Indian origin, and euphonious of sound." Mixed-blood Kansa Native American, Joseph James, called Jojim, is credited with suggesting Topeka's name. The city, laid out in 1854, was one of the Free-State towns founded by Eastern antislavery men immediately after the passage of the Kansas–Nebraska Bill. In 1857, Topeka was chartered as a city.
What is Topeka Zoo famous for?
Topeka Zoo, famous as the birthplace of the first golden eagle chick hatched in captivity and as the first zoo in the nation to have an indoor rain forest.
What was the name of the town in Kansas that was a bastion of the free state movement?
Topeka was a bastion for the free-state movement during the problems in Kansas Territory between abolitionist and proslavery settlers (the latter of whom controlled the legal government based out of Lecompton ). After southern forces barricaded Topeka in 1856, Topeka 's leaders took actions to defend the free-state town from invasion. A militia was organized and stone fortifications were built on Quincy Street. The fortifications seemed to consist of low-lying earthwork levies strengthened by the presence of at least one cannon. The militia manned the fortifications until at least September 1856, when the siege around the town was lifted.
What was the name of the plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education?
Home to the first African-American kindergarten west of the Mississippi River, Topeka was the home of Oliver Brown, the named plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education, which was the case responsible for eliminating the standard of "separate but equal", and requiring racial integration in American public schools. In 1960, the Census Bureau reported Topeka's population as 91.8% White and 7.7% Black.
When was the Topeka Symphony Orchestra founded?
The Topeka Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1957. Topeka is home to broad areas of fine art, specifically in the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO), as well as the Topeka Civic Theatre .
Where is I-335 in Kansas?
It is the origin of I-335 which is a portion of the Kansas Turnpike running from Topeka to Emporia, Kansas. Topeka is also on U.S. Highway 24 (about 50 miles east of Manhattan, Kansas) and U.S. Highway 40 (about 30 miles west of Lawrence, Kansas ). U.S.-40 is coincident with I-70 west from Topeka.
How much did it cost to build the Kansas Statehouse?
Rising from the Kansas prairie, a grand building loomed over the growing city and welcomed settlers. Along Topeka's dirt streets, the sound of chipping stone was a constant rhythm as construction on the Kansas Statehouse continued for 37 years. The building cost $3.2 million to build and included architectural elements of gleaming copper and 17 types of marble, crystal, granite and gold leaf paint. The Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
How long has the Kansas State Capitol been renovated?
After 13 years and a $332 million renovation, the Kansas State Capitol Building is complete and gleaming like the day it was built. Touching every part of the Capitol, from two stories below the underground cornerstones to the top of the 306-foot dome, the renovation restored the original architect's vision while increasing accessibility and safety for years to come.
What to do at the Kansas Capitol?
Take a free tour of the Kansas Capitol Building, including climbing to the top of the dome, discovering murals, and learning its history.
How long is a KsHS tour?
These free tours last approximately 40 minutes. Each tour group may have up to 30 participants. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially between January and May. Make a reservation online or by phone: 785.296.3966 or www.KSHS.org, or journey through the building using the self-guided tour brochure, available at the Capitol Visitor Center.