| Official name | City of Topeka |
| Type | Capital city |
| Kansas State Capitol and downtown Topeka | |
| State | Kansas |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1854 |
| Population | 125,000 |
| Area (km²) | 159 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 66601–66699 |
| Area code(s) | 785 |
Topeka is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas, located in the northeastern part of the state along the Kansas River. With deep historical roots in the abolitionist movement and civil rights, Topeka has played a significant role in shaping the social and political landscape of the United States.
Overview
- Founded in 1854 and designated state capital when Kansas achieved statehood in 1861
- Name derived from a Kansa-Osage word meaning "a good place to dig potatoes"
- A government and education-driven city with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere
History
- Founded by anti-slavery settlers during the "Bleeding Kansas" period
- Site of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional
- Kansas State Capitol completed in 1903, featuring murals by John Steuart Curry
Landmarks and Attractions
- Kansas State Capitol – notable for its dome and a mural of abolitionist John Brown
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
- Topeka Zoo – one of the first in the nation to exhibit indoor tropical rainforests
- Kansas Museum of History
- Lake Shawnee – a recreational hub with trails, boating, and festivals
Government
- Home to the Kansas State Legislature, Governor’s Mansion, and several state agencies
- City government operates under a mayor-council-manager system
Economy
- Government is the largest employer, followed by education, healthcare, and manufacturing
- Presence of major employers like Stormont Vail Health, Washburn University, and Frito-Lay
- Recent downtown revitalization efforts have boosted local business and tourism
Education
- Washburn University – a public university offering law, business, and liberal arts
- Public schools are served by Topeka USD 501
- Several private and technical institutions also operate in the city
Transportation
- Located along I-70 and US Highway 75
- Served by Topeka Regional Airport and the BNSF Railway
- Regional bus system operated by Topeka Metro
Fun Facts
- Has one of the few capitol buildings where you can climb into the dome without an elevator
- Was briefly renamed "Google, Kansas" in 2010 to promote Google Fiber
- Birthplace of U.S. Senator Bob Dole