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The rough and tumble of Kanas history lies in stark contrast to the Kansas of myth and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

First inhabited by the Kansa Indians, then fought over by Spanish, French and frontier Americans, the Kansas territory was finally laid claim to by the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The first white Kansas settlements were frontier outposts including that at Fort Leavenworth established in 1827. Later, just prior to the eruption of the U.S. Civil War, sporadic violence and mayhem reigned supreme - between pro-slavery advocates and abolitionists - earning the state the infamous title of Bleeding Kansas.

Today, the most hubbub visitors will hear throughout the state are the hush of acres of wheat fields, occasionally interrupted by the churning oil wells first begun in Kansas near Paola in 1860.

Major tourist attractions include the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, John Brown's cabin at Osawatomie, Old West attractions and historic walking tours in Dodge City and, strangely enough, the world's largest ball of twine in Cawker City.

Kansas Travel & Tourism - Outdoor fun & recreation are the focus here with a guide to Kansas state parks, boating & camping facilities, as well as links to major tourist attractions throughout the state by city or region, online live chat & help center, calendar of events, photo gallery.

Kansas Sights - An online almanac of everything Kansas with links to maps, directions, state history & lore, information on Kansas-themed movies, kid-friendly attractions, lakes & rivers, tornado facts, weather & temperature, Kansas trivia, and lots, lots more.

Kansas Cities & Towns on the Internet - With links to Abilene to Zenda in an A-Z list with related links to Kansas colleges, genealogy, history, libraries, museums, Kansas poets & poetry.

DiscoverKS.com - One-stop browsing for information on current & upcoming events throughout south central Kansas including fairs & festivals, museum exhibits, horse shows, music concerts, holiday celebrations and related attractions.

Dodge City - Say howdy to shoot em' ups, stagecoach rides and other Wild West fun including information on Boot Hill Museum, historic walking tours, lodging & dining, maps & directions.

Wichita, Kansas Cyberguide - Like it says, with information on top attractions including Old Cowtown Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanica (Wichita Gardens) and the Old Town District plus hotel & entertainment guides, how to get there and get around, shopping, sports & recreation facilities, maps, photos.

Kansas Summer Travel Calendar:

also see -> Christmas in Kansas | Kansas Lakes & Beaches

Kansas Wineries | Moving to Kansas