Kansas is a Great Plains state in the United States. The state is named after the Kansas River that flows through it, which in turn derived its name from the Siouan word Kansa meaning "People of the south wind."

Located in the heartland of the country, Kansas is home to the geographical center of the contiguous United States. Historically home to large numbers of Native Americans who hunted buffalo there, the state was first settled by white Americans in the 1850s. Beginning in 1854, abolitionists from New England and pro-slavery settlers from neighboring Missouri rushed to the territory to determine if Kansas would become a free state. Known as Bleeding Kansas, the state was a hotbed of violence and chaos in its early days as these forces collided. In 1861 Kansas entered the Union as a free state. After the Civil War, the population of Kansas exploded as wave after wave of immigrants turned the desolate prairie into productive farmland. Today Kansas is one of the most productive agricultural states, leading the nation in wheat production.

Geography

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Kansas is bordered by Nebraska on the north; Missouri on the east; Oklahoma on the south; and Colorado on the west. It is located equidistant from the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. The geodetic center of North America is located in Osborne County. This spot is used as the central reference point for all maps produced by the government. The geographic center of the 48 contiguous states is located in Smith County near Lebanon, Kansas, and the geographic center of Kansas is located in Barton County.

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NYT > University of Kansas

Chalmers and Kansas Are Swinging on a Star
By PETE THAMELMario Chalmers fadeaway 3-pointer that will long resonate in N.C.A.A. lore.
Sharp Defense Gives Jayhawks Edge in Matchup of Top Guards
By JOE LAPOINTEBrandon Rush helped Kansas get the best of Memphis with his defense despite being outscored by Chris Douglas-Roberts in a scintillating matchup of two junior wing men.
Two Minutes to a Title: Kansas Prevails
By PETE THAMELMario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to force overtime, capping a frantic rally and giving Kansas the five extra minutes it needed to win the N.C.A.A. title.
A Gaze in the Mirror on the Way to a Title
By PETE THAMELWith their engaging personalities, their roots under Larry Brown and the freelance styles that their teams play, Kansas Coach Bill Self and Memphis Coach John Calipari have a lot in common.
Where Brothers Faltered, Rush Hopes to Carry On
By JOE LAPOINTEBrandon Rush’s older brothers, Kareem and JaRon, were once rising stars. But it is Brandon who has emerged as one of the tournament’s best players.
Kansas Pulls Away Twice Before Advancing to Final
By JOE LAPOINTEIn a surprising showdown with unusual ebb and flow, Kansas defeated North Carolina. The Jayhawks will play the title game Monday night against Memphis.

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