This year Kansas Day is on January 29th as the 34th state’s 1861 admission to the union. This holiday celebrates the Sunflower State’s proud history and thriving future. Exploring thought-provoking quotes about Kansas from famous figures and inspiring leaders adds a poignant perspective on what makes this land grand. Let’s dive into the history, symbols, food, and trailblazing people that make the state shine.
Historic Kansas Quotes
As home to trailheads launching America’s great Western expansion, Kansas bore witness to pivotal frontier events. Famed figures and ordinary settlers alike endured wild plains hardships with steely resilience and hopeful dreams for a better life out west. Their poignant words on Kansas’s formative period reveal why the 34th state proved vital for Manifest Destiny realized:
“There is no place like Nebraska…Why, out there on the plains sleeping on the ground was like sleeping on a feather bed” – Buffalo Bill Cody
This quote from the legendary frontiersman known for his travelling Wild West Show reveals the enchantment the open prairies held after leaving crowded industrialized Eastern cities behind. Their untouched beauty and promise captivated imaginations.
“We have found the Great American Desert at last” – William Sublette, co-owner of Rocky Mountain Fur Company, reflecting on Kansas’s dense buffalo-grazed grasslands in 1835
This awed reaction foreshadowed how Kansas’s fertile soil and roaming herds would nourish future generations both physically and economically after the frontier taming days ended.
“In Kansas whole horizons filled with sunflowers” – Joe Engle, NASA astronaut
The sunflower serves as Kansas’s official state flower and captures the image of glorious amber waves romanticizing America’s pastoral heartland widely. This charming plant thrives in the bright summer sunshine and rich soil Kansas offers in spades even today.
Do other quotes stand out exemplifying the Sunflower State’s pioneering spirit and promise? Let’s explore.
On Becoming a Free State
After escalating tensions between anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions plunged Kansas Territory into bloody turmoil for most of the 1850s, relief swept the dispute-weary land when Kansas joined the union as a free state on January 29, 1861. The quotes below demonstrate the reconciliation and optimism that the milestone inspired:
“We are all now united and harmony prevails among all classes of our citizens.” – Kansas Governor Charles Robinson in his 1861 inauguration speech
With “Bleeding Kansas” finally staunched and statehood secured, Robinson struck a conciliatory tone hoping to heal rifts and launch an equitable new era for all Kansans whether former abolitionists or recently defeated “Border Ruffians”.
“Here was land, everlasting in its fertility…this land extended its promise of home and plenty to all the immigrant people who would but work in faith for their reward.” –Artist John Steuart Curry’s remarks conveying Kansas’s enduring agricultural riches
The distinguished Regionalist painter created iconic works like “Tragic Prelude” depicting John Brown and the anti-slavery strife that roiled Kansas. But his above quote and mature art also extolled the state’s wholesome bounty awaiting sons and daughters of toil in the generations after statehood and Civil War closure was won.
Words on Wondrous Wheat
Thanks to ample sunshine nourishing its vitamin-rich soil, Kansas rose as America’s wheat production leader by the early 20th century and has never surrendered the golden grain crown. Wheat remains crucial for Kansas farm prosperity today. Take in what leaders highlight praising the magical foodstuff:
“If wheat flour can maintain its reputation for high quality, I think it will always find world markets.” —1960s Governor William H. Avery foreseeing ongoing global demand for Kansas premium milled grains
**“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate bringing forth food from the earth, wine to gladden human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to sustain the human heart.” – Psalm 104:14-15 **
This Biblical verse uncannily describes Kansas’s mainstay crops of wheat along with cattle, corn and soybeans while conveying divine appreciation for agriculture’s central role in enriching both body and spirit…much as Sunflower State farming does.
**“Eat bread slowly and really enjoy it. When you are no longer doing anything else while you are eating, you are giving your bread the honour it deserves.” —Zen quote prizing mindful attention to nourishment gained from each humble wheaten loaf **
Indeed – humble wheat kernels transubstantiate into culinary delights Kansas historically harvested better than anywhere. From wholesome homemade bread to melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, this grain graces endless meals.
What words of wheat wisdom resonate for you? Next, let’s explore quotes highlighting more iconic Kansas symbols and destinations.
On Sunflowers, Monarchs and Ruby Slippers
Kansas boasts a colourful cast of state symbols plus famous sites attracting tourists from the world over. The figures cited below capture the magic awaiting those bold enough to venture off interstates across Dorothy’s old Kansas stomping grounds:
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” — Kansas motto selected by the state legislature in 1935
This timeless proverb mirrors the sunflower continually swivelling its broad golden crown to absorb optimal rays. Like the durable sunflower thriving even through scorching summer days and blustery Plains winters, Kansas perseveres against challenges some view as dour flyover territory seeded with obstacles rather than opportunities.
“It takes courage as well as brains to find and accept the beautiful.” – Clark Galehouse, Director Emeritus of Monarch Watch conservation program
This University of Kansas professor’s words honor the delicate Monarch butterfly that migrates 2,000+ miles from Canada and the Northern U.S. through the Midwest each year. Kansas serves as the insect’s haven during this arduous journey south, providing sanctuary in the uneven gears of wind turbines and tranquillity among nectar-rich wildflowers colouring roadside prairies. Will human actions heeding sustainability allow fragile creatures to persist in undertaking such mighty migrations?
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain” – The Wizard of Oz implores Dorothy while frantically manipulating illusory projections from his hidden Emerald City control booth.
The Land of Oz fantasy world genie L. Frank Baum’s envisions in his 1900 book proved so beguiling that millions of movie fans still flock to see Dorothy’s farmhouse and visit OZ museums across Kansas’s small towns today seeking magic behind the mundane.
Does any Sunflower State quotes stand out to you as postcard-perfect? Let’s round up some praise of tasty local fare next.
Regarding Barbeque, Bierocks and Black Squirrels
Lauded for steaks and summertime sweet corn bounty nationwide, Kansas comfort cuisine delivers beyond expectations. Finger-licking barbecue sauce-slathered meats merit most foodie fanfare. But unique ethnic fusion finds from Volga German spherical pocket sandwiches called Bierocks to Czech festival staple kolaches delight palates too. Black squirrels featured on a certain prominent university campus charm visitors as well.
“People may not know if Kansas City is in Kansas or Missouri but they do know Kansas City has great BBQ” —2020 Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
With over 100 barbecue restaurants smoking up succulent selections across the KC metro, this quote conveys how mouthwatering ribs, brisket and pulled pork overshadow questions regarding state jurisdictional claims.
“The Bierock has the loyalty that we in today’s society think we cannot achieve.” – Damaris Kunkel of nearby Nebraska championing the hearty ethnic handheld sandwiches’ lasting legacy spanning over 130 years since Volga German immigrants brought the filled pastry recipe to Kansas
This quote acknowledges the Bierock’s broad cultural significance as a persevering Plains regional speciality relished by descendants of Russian/German settlers and modern foodies alike craving the cosy beef, cabbage and spice-stuffed dough pockets.
“We stand out anywhere with our jet black fur coats — real heads” – Chant from Kansas State University’s Black Squirrel mascot during a campus tour
These unique melanistic Eastern Fox squirrels first introduced to the Manhattan area make KSU’s pretty treelined landscape home and serve as proud university ambassadors. Their trademark ebony sheen and bushy tails never fail to fascinate visitors.
Have any favourite Kansas quotes extolling iconic state fare like juicy HUMBLE roadside burger stands or sweet Somerfield ice cream? Share your thoughts below.
Kansas’s Inspiring Innovators & Luminaries
From aviation trailblazers and Pulitzer-winning media mavericks to civil rights dynamos and literary lions, Kansas nurtured world-changing titans across many fields thanks to its solid traditional values and progressive prairie spirit encouraging big dreams. What commendations spotlight inspirational Sunflower State success stories?
“Living in KS teaches u humility. But dream big enough and the horizon/sky is STILL the limit” – Entrepreneur Elizabeth Smith’s advice to stay grounded yet think expansively
This forward-focused mindset of marrying salt-of-the-earth Kansas pragmatism with limitless ambition typified famous Kansans like Amelia Earhart and Clyde Cessna who redefined flight possibilities.
“An early lesson I learned doing media literacy education is that the most empowered person in a media equation is the viewer.” – Media reformer and Bellport Middle School teacher Renee Hobbs spotlighting audiences’ power
Hailing from small town Elkhart, this University of Kansas alum revolutionized media literacy pedagogy to help new generations decode news reliability and analyze representation biases – crucial skills in an era of online misinformation proliferation and extremism.
“…the moral arc of the universe only bends toward justice if people force it to.” – Columnist Farhad Manjoo reflecting on civil rights victories Kansas witnessed
From combustible 1850s skirmishes determine whether Kansas entered statehood permitting slavery through the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision striking down segregation emerging from a Topeka lawsuit, this state withstood torrents while advancing freedoms.
“I discovered I did not have to learn a new language to write a poem. And that there were all sorts of poem possibilities in Kansas if you just let Kansas come out…” esteemed poet William Stafford crediting his beloved home state for nurturing creativity
Raised on a Kansas farm, Stafford composed verse meditating on nature’s quiet wisdom and finding hope in navigating life’s stormy moments. His resonant words and pacifism during the Vietnam War era upheaval brought prestigious accolades like the National Book Award. What Kansas voices inspire you?
Kansas Voices Carry
Our voyage across Sunflower State history through modern times via poignant quotes reveals why Kansas and its denizens merit honour each January 29th.
From the blood-soaked Civil War precursor days through Dust Bowl deprivation eras, this state endured unspeakable anguish yet preserved quintessential American ideals of freedom, unity and bold trailblazing spirit.
Kansas’s rich native crops nourish our bellies as much as its luminaries’ barrier-breaking triumphs feed hungry souls. Its amber waves of grain lit prairie promise for European settlers long ago as they still warm newcomers with nourishing soil and open door opportunities spanning small town main streets to bustling urban industry hubs.
So let these voices carry into the future with courage, compassion and that trademark Kansas grace blending humble kindness, quick humour and stubborn resilience against long odds. For this state supplies the steadfast heart binding America’s spirit and promises coast-to-coast.
Table: Impactful Kansas Quotes
| Figure | Quote |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Bill Cody | “There is no place like Nebraska…Why, out there on the plains sleeping on the ground was like sleeping on a feather bed” |
| William Sublette | “We have found the Great American Desert at last” |
| Joe Engle, NASA Astronaut | “In Kansas whole horizons filled with sunflowers” |
| Kansas Governor Charles Robinson | “We are all now united and harmony prevails among all classes of our citizens.” |
| Artist John Steuart Curry | “Here was land, everlasting in its fertility…this land extended its promise of home and plenty to all the immigrant people who would but work in faith for their reward.” |
| Governor William H. Avery | “If wheat flour can maintain its reputation for high quality, I think it will always find world markets.” |
| Kansas State Motto | “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” |
| Clark Galehouse, Monarch Watch Director | “It takes courage as well as brains to find and accept the beautiful.” |
| The Wizard of Oz | “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain” |
| Governor Laura Kelly | “People may not know if Kansas City is in Kansas or Missouri but they do know Kansas City has great BBQ” |
| Elizabeth Smith, Entrepreneur | “Living in KS teaches u humility. But dream big enough and the horizon/sky is STILL the limit” |
| Media Literacy Pioneer Renee Hobbs | “An early lesson I learned doing media literacy education is that the most empowered person in a media equation is the viewer.” |
| Columnist Farhad Manjoo | “…the moral arc of the universe only bends toward justice if people force it to.” |
| Poet William Stafford | “I discovered I did not have to learn a new language to write a poem. And that there were all sorts of poem possibilities in Kansas if you just let the Kansas come out…” |
Conclusion:
The voices and visions conveyed through these resonant Kansas quotes capture the Sunflower State’s formidable presence throughout history. Kansas emerged from a bloody struggle into prosperity thanks to those daring pioneers and immigrants seeking bright horizons just west of the Missouri line. Its amber waves nourished millions while innovations launching here changed the nation.
But this dear land is not a mere flyover country. Kansas rings loud with Amelia Earhart’s fearless feats taking flight, Langston Hughes’ searing Civil Rights era poetry, Dwight Eisenhower’s calming Cold War era diplomacy, and the humble Midwestern warmth radiating via Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House prairie chronicles still today.
So let Kansas’s rich traditions blended with heartland hospitality guide America forward. Heed our past standout solution seekers and future thought leaders. Hear voices ringing from fertile limestone Flint Hills and across the sprawling High Plains. Kansas echoes and answers the perpetual call to cultivate dignity, opportunity and bold new frontiers ever Westward for one and all. Here’s to another resonating year. Happy Kansas Day.
