Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

H istory of Topeka Charles Curtis Home Topeka lies on rich sandy loam river bottomland where Indians lived for many years using the excellent fords on the Kansas (Kaw) River. Among the first permanent settlers in this area were three FrenchBrown v. Board Canadian (Pappan) brothers. They married National Historic Site three Kanza (Kansas) Indian sisters and established a ferry over the river in 1842 Railroad system were established in Topeka where the Oregon Trail crossed the river. in 1878. The BNSF Railway Company still A grandson from one of the marriages was has one of the largest railroad shops in the Charles Curtis, the only vice president of the world in Topeka. United States of Indian descent. (Charles Curtis served with President Herbert C. Hoover from 1929 to During the early part of the 20th century, the region’s economic 1933.) structure appeared to have settled into the typical pattern of a medium-sized Midwestern area dependent primarily on its On December 5, 1854, nine men met on the banks of the Kansas agricultural base. Topeka lies at the point where the cattle ranches River at what is now Kansas Avenue and Crane Street. The men of the southwest meet the Corn Belt, near the undeveloped mineral drew up an agreement, which later became the basis for the resources of the Mississippi Valley, south of the winter snow line, Topeka Association, the organization mainly responsible for the with ample supplies of water and plenty of room to develop. establishment and early growth of Topeka. The nine men were Cyrus K. Holliday, F.W. Giles, Daniel H. Horne, George Davis, With the onset of World War II, the railroad, meat packing and Enoch Chase, J.B. Chase, M.C. Dickey, Charles Robinson and agricultural base shifted to manufacturing and government/ L.G. Cleveland. The City of Topeka was incorporated February 14, military services. Forbes Air Force Base was established during the 1857, with Cyrus K. Holliday as Mayor. war, and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company opened a plant in 1944. During the 1950s, the attraction of the Hallmark Card and Topeka was established during the middle of a conflict between DuPont (now Innovia Films) plants and other manufacturing compro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers for control of the Kansas pany extensions were important in keeping the economy diverse. territory. During this strife, Free State emigrants laid “tracks” for the Underground Railroad in Kansas. More than 30 railroad In the first half of the century, nature presented challenges to “conductors,” including John Ritchie, led escaped slaves by foot Topeka with floods and a tornado in 1966. Topekans stepped up and wagon during the night. Evidence of several stops along the and helped one another with rebuilding and the community saw a trail to freedom can still be found in Topeka. rebirth of energy and volunteerism. Then in 1974, Forbes Air Base closed and over 10,000 people left Topeka, impacting the city’s After a decade of abolitionist and pro-slavery conflict, the Kansas growth pattern for years to come. territory was admitted to the Union in 1861 as the 34th state. Topeka was finally chosen as the capital with Dr. Charles Robinson In the 1980s, Topeka citizens voted to build a new airport terminal as the first Governor. Cyrus Holliday donated a tract of land to the and convention center and to change the form of city government state for the construction of a state capitol. from commission form to Strong Mayor-Council. West Ridge Mall opened in 1988 and in 1989, Topeka became a motorsports mecca In 1869, the railway started moving westward from Topeka. Genwith the opening of Heartland Park Topeka. The Topeka Performeral offices and machine shops of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe ing Arts Center opened in 1991. During the 1990s, voters approved bond issues for public school improvements including magnet schools, technology, air conditioning, classrooms and a sports complex. Voters also approved a quarter-cent sales tax for a new Law Enforcement Center, and then in 1996 approved an extension of the sales tax for the East Topeka Interchange connecting the Oakland Expressway, K-4, I-70 and the Kansas Turnpike. The project was completed in August 2001. During the 1990s, Shawnee Countians voted to extend tax support to the County for the expansion of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. The Kansas Legislature and Governor also approved legislation to replace the majority of the property tax supporting Washburn University with a countywide sales tax. In 2000, the citizens again voted to extend the quarter-cent sales tax, this time for the economic development of Topeka and Shawnee County. In August 2004, Shawnee County citizens voted to repeal the 2000 quarter-cent sales tax and replace it with a 12 year half-cent sales tax designated for economic development, roads and bridges. Kansas History Center 12 Topek a Reloc at ion Gu ide 20 09

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

Topeka Relocation Guide 2009 Contents Topeka's Pioneering Spirit Prevails During Turbulent Economic Times The Topeka & Shawnee County Library is "Your" Place Topeka Arts Community Grows Through ARTSConnect Topeka Bragging Rights History of Topeka Choosing Topeka Little Know Facts About Topeka 15 Things to Experience in Topeka What's a Young Professional to Do? Topeka in Profile Transportation Lodging Brick Oven: American Cuisine with a Multi-Cultural Twist Great Overland Station: Rich History, Elegant Architecture Religious Organizations Libraries, Shopping and Child Care Referral Housing Income Demographics Business and Industry Topeka MSA Employment Education Higher Education Opportunities Healthcare Local Transportation Taking Care of Pets Utilities Cultural Activities Trails Festivals Attractions Important Numbers Community Information Sources Licensing Agencies Employment Agencies

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