Wichita’s History

Wichita is located in south central Kansas on the Arkansas River, it is also the most populous city in Kansas State of United States. The city is also the county seat of Sedgwick County. In 2006 this city was considered as the 51st largest city in the U.S.

Wichita city was incorporated in 1870, based on the success of businessmen who came to hunt and trade with native populations. Its position on the Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives headed north to access railroads to eastern markets. In the 20th century, aircraft pioneers such as Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech began projects that would lead to Wichita’s establishment as the “Air Capital of the World”. The aircraft corporations Stearman, Cessna, Mooney and Beech were all founded in Wichita in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft remain based in Wichita today, along with Learjet and Spirit AeroSystems, and both Airbus and Boeing maintain a workforce in Wichita.

Wichita has also evolved into a cultural and entertainment center. The vital downtown district offers nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and parks. A 15,000 seat arena in the middle of Wichita is under construction with completion slated January 2010. Several universities are in Wichita, the largest being Wichita State University with an enrollment of 15,000 students.

The city is doing fine economically as shown by the major rankings. In July 2006, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Wichita 9th on its list of the 10 best U.S. big cities in which to live. In 2008, MSN Real Estate ranked Wichita 1st on its list of best affordable cities.

On the little darker side Wichita was also the location of one of the most famous, and now solved, serial murder cold cases in US history. The BTK Strangler murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991. When BTK reemerged in 2004, a task force led by Lt. Kenneth Landwehr identified and arrested compliance officer Dennis Rader, who subsequently pled guilty to all 10 murders.

Economy

Initially an agriculture land Wichita saw several Aircraft companies coming to reside here; making it one of the most industrialized city in the area. Eventually making “Air Capital of the World”. Wichita ranks first in the world in production of general aviation aircraft and is also an important centre for military aircraft manufacture. Learjet, now owned by Bombardier, Beech Aircraft, now owned by Hawker, and Cessna, now a Textron company, remains in Wichita because of their large manufacturing equipment investments and a skilled labor pool. About two-thirds of Wichita’s manufacturing base is made up of airplane building, employing about 44,000 people.

Besides aircraft industry, some other important economic activities include: oil refining, grain processing and storage, and livestock marketing. Farm and ranch production rank Kansas first in wheat and sorghum grains and is also high among the U.S. states in beef, veal, hogs, and wild hay. Kansas farmers reclaimed their number one ranking for wheat export sales in 1997. Wichita is also a major producer of camping gear, heating and air-conditioning equipment, snowmobiles, and a variety of other products with more than 700 manufacturers. Some of the leading manufacturers include Koch Industries Inc, Chance Rides Manufacturing Inc, Vulcan Chemicals etc.

The city is doing fine economically as shown by the major rankings. In July 2006, CNN Money and Money magazine ranked Wichita 9th on its list of the 10 best U.S. big cities in which to live. In 2008, MSN Real Estate ranked Wichita 1st on its list of best affordable cities.

Major attractions

Sedgwick County Zoo

This is nationally renowned zoo amongst the top 18 zoo of the country. Founded in 1971 it is AZA accredited wildlife park and major attraction in Wichita, Kansas.

Exploration Place

Exploration Place, Kansas’ premier science center, offers extraordinary hands-on exhibits focusing on flight, medieval life in a three-story castle, and Kansas. Plus experience the state’s largest domed theater – the Cyber Dome, as well as outdoor Mini Golf, Exploration Park and more – all located on 20 acres along the scenic Arkansas River.

Old Cowtown Museum

At Old Cowtown Museum you will experience interactive learning through living history, educational programs and Historic reenactments.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Wichita sits one of Kansas’ best kept secrets Botanica, a botanical garden and regional horticultural center. A collection of theme gardens, including a butterfly house.

Mid-America All Indian Center

Multi-purpose facility houses a museum, kiva for special events, and a gift shop. Includes levels of membership, hours, schedule of pow wows and others.