FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-013

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (January 29, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps tells us something about the state of sunflowers.

THE SUNFLOWER STATE CELEBRATES

Happy 165th statehood anniversary to Kansas, admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861.

The area was part of the Kansas Territory which stretched west to the Continental Divide.  Most of the current state became part of the US with the Louisiana Purchase, but some of the southwestern corner came as land ceded from Mexico and Texas at the end of the Mexican-American War.

Kansas is often referred to as the Heartland of America since the geographical center of the 48 contiguous states is located in Smith County, near Lebanon.  Leading the US in the production of wheat, it also claims the title of the US “Breadbasket.”

Famous firsts for the state of Kansas include: the original Pizza Hut, the ICEE, the helicopter, the discovery of helium, and the country’s windiest city.

Despite its wizardly reputation, Kansas ranks second in annual average for tornadoes.

Here is Colton’s map of large Kansas, spelled Kanzas, and Nebraska just six year before Kansas became the 34th state.  

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.