Topeka

What makes the capitol special

The Kansas Capitol was finished in 1903. It features a 304-foot dome topped by a statue called Ad Astra. This bronze figure depicts a Kansa warrior pointing his arrow toward the North Star. Inside, a famous mural called Tragic Prelude shows the abolitionist John Brown during the chaos of the Civil War era. Visitors can climb 296 steps to the top of the dome for a full view of Topeka.

Three places to visit

1. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site – Visit the school that played a major role in the Supreme Court case that ended segregation in U.S. public schools.
2. Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site – Step back in time to explore a recreated prairie town from the 1800s, complete with historic buildings.
3. Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center / Gage Park – See animals from around the world and enjoy the city’s central park, which features gardens, a mini-train, and plenty of green space.

How the city got its name

Topeka was named in 1855. The name comes from a Kansa-Osage word that translates to “a good place to dig potatoes.” This name honors the area’s Native American history and the fertile land used for farming.

Why this city became the capital

Topeka became the capital of Kansas in 1861. Before this, the capital was briefly in Pawnee (1855) and then in Lecompton (1855-1861). Topeka was chosen because it was centrally located on the Kansas River. It was also selected because the city took a strong stand against slavery, which was a critical issue when Kansas joined the United States.