Kansas joined the United States as the 34th state on January 29, 1861. This day is celebrated every year as Kansas Day. Like other states, Kansas has several official symbols that represent the state’s cultural heritage and natural treasures. These state symbols were designated by the Kansas state legislature over the years.
State Bird – Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark was designated the official state bird of Kansas in 1937. This medium-sized songbird has a yellow chest and throat, with black “V” or “Y” shaped markings on the chest. The western meadowlark is found in grasslands and prairie habitats across most of Kansas. Its beautiful flute-like song is often heard across the Kansas prairies and fields.
With its bright yellow colours and lovely song, the western meadowlark represents the beautiful Kansas prairies for the state.
State Flower – Sunflower
In 1903, the Kansas legislature named the sunflower as the official state flower. Sunflowers with their bright golden yellow petals are one of the most recognizable flowers and have come to symbolize the Kansas prairies.
Sunflowers are native to the grasslands and prairies of Kansas. Early settlers to Kansas will have seen countless sunflowers covering the plains every summer in massive numbers.
Why the Sunflower Represents Kansas
The sunflower grows well across most regions of Kansas and provides both aesthetic and economic value to the state.
- Sunflowers thrive across Kansas growing up to 10 feet tall in the rich Kansas soil and under the hot summer sun.
- Sunflower seeds and oil are important Kansas crops, with thousands of acres planted with sunflowers.
- The sunflower’s golden colour and optimism in seeking out the sunlight evoke the spirit of the Kansas plains.
With sunflower fields blanketing Kansas every summer, it is no wonder the sunflower was selected to represent the state of Kansas.
State Tree – Cottonwood
In 1937, the cottonwood tree was designated as the Kansas state tree. The cottonwood is a large tree that is native to riparian areas and floodplains across Kansas.
Cottonwoods can grow to heights of 100 feet or more along Kansas rivers and streams. In spring, cottonwood trees flower with fluffy-looking strands that resemble cotton puffs, which gives the tree its name.
Cottonwood trees were very important to early Kansas settlers. The large trees provided shelter and building materials and indicated the presence of water nearby on the plains. The cotton puffs also were used by Native Americans to start fires.
Even today, cottonwood trees mark locations of rivers and creeks across the Kansas landscape with their tall trunks, dense canopies and “cotton” strands blowing through the air.
Other Kansas State Symbols
Kansas has designated several other official state symbols over the past few decades that represent the state’s heritage, natural resources, and economy.
State Symbols of Kansas Table
| Symbol | Year Adopted | Details |
|---|---|---|
| State Flower | 1903 | Sunflower |
| State Bird | 1937 | Western Meadowlark |
| State Tree | 1937 | Cottonwood |
| State Fish | 1955 | Channel Catfish |
| State Animal | 1955 | American Buffalo |
| State Reptile | 1986 | Ornate Box Turtle |
| State Gemstone | 1987 | Jelene – Silicified Wood |
| State Soil | 1990 | Harney Silt Loam |
| State Insect | 1990 | Honeybee |
| State Musical Instrument | 2014 | Piano |
Kansas Day Celebrations
Every year on January 29, Kansas Day celebrations are held across the state commemorating Kansas’ statehood. Events include school activities teaching students about the state’s history, exhibits at museums, parades and parties. Legislators host Kansas Day events at the Capitol building in Topeka.
It is a chance every year for Kansans to show their state pride by learning and celebrating iconic Kansas symbols like the sunflower and western meadowlark along with other emblems that are part of Kansas heritage.
Conclusion
From native birds and plants to geologic treasures and agricultural icons, the Kansas state symbols represent the culture, scenery and economic drivers of the state. On Kansas Day and throughout the year, these symbols connect Kansans to their shared history dating back to frontier days while celebrating all that makes the state unique in the present age.
