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Topeka, Kansas

Located in Shawnee County, Kansas, Topeka was established in 1854. Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most important Supreme Court cases ever, originated in Topeka. Topeka was founded by abolitionists during 'Bleeding Kansas.'.
Founded 1854 | Population 126,000 | Peak 126,000 (2024) | County Shawnee County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Topeka, Kansas

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1854Founded by Abolitionists: Free-State settlers found Topeka during Bleeding Kansas.
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1861State Capital: Kansas enters Union as free state; Topeka is capital.
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1954Brown v. Board of Education: Supreme Court case originating from Topeka ends school segregation. Landmark civil rights victory.
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1966Tornado Devastates City: F5 tornado kills 16 and damages 800 homes.
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1999Brown v Board Historic Site: Monroe Elementary designated National Historic Site.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1854 Politics
Founded by Abolitionists
1861 Government
State Capital
1954 Civil Rights
Brown v. Board of Education
1966 Disaster
Tornado Devastates City
1999 Civil Rights
Brown v Board Historic Site

Did You Know?

1
Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most important Supreme Court cases ever, originated in Topeka.
2
Topeka was founded by abolitionists during 'Bleeding Kansas.'.
3
Monroe Elementary, where the Brown case originated, is now a National Historic Site.
4
Topeka is located in Shawnee County, Kansas.
5
Topeka was founded in 1854.
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