Kansas

The Kansas State Capitol was part of the Quickie Midwest Swing of 2023, so time on this trip was limited, as I only had a week to visit three states. Fortunately, Topeka is a short drive from Kansas City, my destination that day.

Located off I-70 in downtown Topeka, the Kansas State Capitol is recognizable and easy to get to. There is a parking garage for the Visitor Center on SW 8th Avenue, which is the public’s main access point to the building. This building looks quite plain from the outside (though the dark-colored dome does pop); however, the inside is far more ornate and beautiful.

Per the norm, this capitol building is home to the Kansas Governor and Kansas State Legislature, which consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Capturing History

The Kansas State Capitol captures the state’s complicated history in a museum at the visitor entrance and through murals on the second and third floors, making this a great stop for history enthusiasts.

Rebel Women Mural

The newest mural in the Kansas State Capitol is Rebel Women, which honors 13 suffragists. It was dedicated on Kansas Day 2025, so I was able to enjoy it upon my return visit in July 2025. The Topeka Capitol-Journal provides more information on this mural and dedication ceremony.

Tragic Prelude Mural

Tragic Prelude depicts abolitionist John Brown during the time before the Civil War when Brown was fighting to keep Kansas from being made a slave state. This mural features other figures as well, and continues on other walls on the second floor, making it difficult to photograph in its entirety.

In the meantime, the Kansas State Historical Education YouTube channel offers more information about this mural.

Brown vs. Board of Education Mural

On the third floor, a mural commemorating the the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which ruled segregation laws unconstitutional, is featured prominently. This mural was created by Michael Young in 2018 after winning a nationwide competition. The Kansas Historical Society Education YouTube channel offers more information.

“Brown v. Board is not just Kansas History. It is a defining moment that reshaped our nation.” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said in a report by WBIW News in Topeka. “His work does more than just depict history. It challenges us to reflect on our progress on the work that remains.”  

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