Topeka’s History

The city of Topeka was discovered when nine men from Lawrence City made a trek on the banks of Kansas River on December 5, 1854. It was a chilly day and these nine men had come from the tent town of Lawrence City and discovering city which would soon become the capital of the State.

The city of Topeka was incorporated on February 14, 1857. Cyrus K. Holliday also known as the “father” of Topeka became the first mayor of the city. He also drafted the charter for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. The city also signifies the Civil war called “Bleeding Kansas”; a prelude to the civil war, was a decade of abolitionist and pro-slavery conflict during 1850s. Some of the Topekans such as John Ritchie battled for the abolition of slavery as Kansas approached statehood. Abraham Lincoln visited the Kansas State in 1859 and the objects from his visit to Kansas are still preserved in the Kansas History Museum.

When Kansas was admitted as the 34th state of the union, Topeka was chosen as the state capital. Then Dr. Charles Robinson became the first governor of Kansas. Founding Father of Topeka, Cyrus K. Holliday, donated a tract of land to the state for the construction of a new state capitol. The building was complete in 1903. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe has been one of Topeka’s major industries for over a century. Union Pacific began operating in Topeka in 1866, and Rock Island Railroad followed in 1887. The Episcopal Church established the College of the Sisters of Bethany in 1860. Lincoln College was established in 1865 by the State of Kansas and the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas. Col. John Ritchie donated the 160-acres of land for construction. In 1868, the college was named Washburn. Eventually Washburn became a municipal university and is the last city-chartered university in the United States. The facility was largely rebuilt in 1966 after a tornado destroyed much of the campus.

Topeka was the home of the Oliver Brown family of Brown v. Board of Education case, a landmark judgment which eliminated a separate school for African American children. Topeka has also produced several notable figures in the country which includes Gwendolyn Brooks; a poet who won Pulitzer Prize for his work. Famous Apollo 17 was commandeered by Ron Evans, an astronaut and a pilot. Charles Curtis was vice-president under Herbert Hoover.

Economy

Topeka being the capital town the Government and services comprise more than 50 percent of the metropolitan Topeka economy. The state, county, and city government employment accounts for almost one quarter of the work force, and more than 30 percent of area employees are on the service industry payroll. Nearly 15 percent of workers are employed in wholesale or retail trade. The construction and manufacturing industries made modest gains statewide amidst increasing demand for housing and aircraft production. Some of the Fortune 500 companies also have presence here which includes companies like Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Frito-Lay, Inc., Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Payless Shoe Source, and Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Other industries located in Topeka are flour mills, printing and publishing companies, iron foundries, and food processing plants. They produce items and goods like flour, dairy products, meats and poultry, pet foods, tires, tents, awnings, serum, steel fixtures, culverts, tanks, boxes and baskets, medicines, and steel jetties.

There are several incentive available for business owners which includes tax credits and exemptions, utility rate discounts, fee waivers, and loan assistance. Organizations such as Topeka-Shawnee County Development Corporation and Kansas Venture Capital, Inc. promote development in the metropolitan area. Shawnee County recently implemented a quarter-cent sales tax that will support local economic development activities. The city or county may grant up to 10 years of property tax exemptions to companies that promote employment growth or private investment in the area. GO Topeka offers loans to small businesses and startups owned by women or minorities, as well as job training and counseling. Topeka’s Business Development Office provides advice, funding and training in affiliation with the Washburn University Small Business Development Center.

Attractions

Kansas Museum of History

This is award winning museum which depicts colorful history from Kansas. Tipti, diners from 1950, locomotives made in 1880 etc. are on display.

Brown V. Board Museum

This museum provides information regarding the Brown v. Board landmark judgment in 1954. This is located in the Monroe elementary school.

Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site

This 5.5 acre pioneer village is located on the Oregon Trail, Old Prairie Town. A botanical garden and a working soda fountain where cold treats are served are on display. Also see an 1854 replica log cabin, an 1870s prairie mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an 1880 Everest Church, an 1891 Victor schoolhouse, a dentist’s and physician’s office, and much more.

Kansas State Capitol

If you visit here you will learn the fascinating story of John Steuart Curry’s murals. Also see the spectacular chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, gaze upward to view the marble and the glass panels of the dramatic Capitol dome.

Topeka “World Famous” Zoo

This is amongst the top zoo in the United States where you can see the Animals from around the world. It also has a theater.