The Best Places to Visit for a Topeka History Lesson

Topeka, Kansas, was founded in 1854, so naturally, it has a rich history. Whether you’re a resident or guest, there are likely some places you have yet to visit to learn more about Topeka. Here are some of the best places for an interesting Topeka history lesson.

Great Mural Wall of Topeka

One of the spots you have to visit is the Great Mural Wall, a brilliant spot located on Western Avenue. This community project that began in 2007 showcases our residents coming together on a worthwhile project. It isn’t just artists who have taken part — everyday people were encouraged to contribute in their own way. Some of the murals include A History of Central Park, Tribute to Grant Cushinberry, and Ad Terra per Agilitas. Each mural depicts a defining moment or person in Topeka’s history in vivid colors. 

Kansas State Capitol

No matter where you are in the city, you’re just a quick drive away from the Kansas State Capitol. The Capitol is a beautiful building, and it’s full of Topeka and Kansas state history, including murals by famous artists, information about members of Congress, and replicas and memorials of important parts of our nation’s history. Look for the dome window, the Hall of Native Peoples, and the state constitution. You can also take a guided tour of the building, or go for the dome tour, which takes you up 296 steps to the top of the dome. 

Kansas Museum of History

The Kansas Museum of History is an award-winning museum, and for good reason. This museum showcases the story of Kansas through its exhibits, which includes focused exhibits on the Civil War, early people of the state, trains, African American history, and even about the camps that were set up in the historic days of the city. 

Many agree that Kansas is the home of the fast-food industry so, naturally, this museum has an entire exhibit set up with a 1950s diner, Harvey House dinner gong, McDonald’s sign, and Coca Cola vending machine. This museum takes you all the way through the recent past with a host of items to explore from the 1940s through the 1980s, including a Miss America crown, moon rocks, and President Eisenhower’s jacket. 

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of history is the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling that found that racial segregation in schools is unconstitutional. This ruling was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and continues to be a major piece of Topeka and America’s history to this day. At the historic site, learn more about what you may have found in the classrooms before and after the case ruling and what education was like in the age of Jim Crow. You can also get to know more about the NAACP founders and the quest for equality.

It’s amazing the kind of history you’ll be able to find in our great city. The next time you have a free day, visit one of these sites to learn more about Topeka.

Image via Pixabay

Posted in Local Area | No Comments »