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The rough and tumble of Kansas 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 heard throughout the state is during major summer tourist season with attractions including 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.