Kansas 34th Star

A Kansas Portrait

After seven tempestuous years as a territory, Kansas was admitted to the Union in 1861, becoming the 34th star on the nation's flag.

Since Kansas Territory had been created on May 30, 1854, forces either espousing slavery or opposing it had struggled for political supremacy. So intense was that struggle at times that some called her "Bleeding Kansas." Names such as John Brown, James Lane, "Jayhawker," and "border ruffian" gained national prominence. Gradually, however, opponents of slavery became dominant and when that 34th star was added it stood for freedom.

But the troubles for Kansas were not over. The Civil War over slavery, which had been mostly limited to Kansas, erupted nationwide and the once united states were split asunder. For the next four years Kansans gave of themselves in the effort to abolish slavery in America. More Kansans served in Union forces, on a per capita basis, than did those from any other state and Kansas suffered one of the highest casualty rates. Truly, Kansas' struggle, was aptly described in the state motto--Ad Astra Per Aspera, (To the Stars Through Difficulty).