The Nicknames of Kansas The city of Louisburg is a part of a state full of heritage. The state has accrued a series of nicknames

throughout its history that have come to describe its beauty, location and legacy.

“KaNze”-“South Wind” Which came first, the river or the state? Normally smaller assets, like a

river or a mountain, is named after the larger body that it belongs to.

In this case, the Kansas River came first, and it came from some French

travelers. They called it “KaNze,” which means the “south wind” in a number of Indian languages—

which considering that many of their trade interactions relied on the wind to carry boats up and down

rivers, was a significant name.

As time grew on, the state was officially formed into the Kansas we know it as now. This isn’t the only

name it is known by though.

“The Sunflower State” Kansas has gained a few names to describe its beauty and appeal. The

first of these names is “The Sunflower State.”

Sunflowers grow in abundance all over the face of the Sunflower State.

They are tall, full and beautiful.

People come from miles around to see them naturally growing. Kansas has an overabundance of wheat

fields as well.

Wheat grows easily around the city of Louisburg area and beyond. It is a good crop to grow as it is

always in high demand—considering how much bread is available at local grocery stores.

“The Wheat State” The state led the country in the amount of wheat produced in 2000,

helping it earn its title “The Wheat State”. That honor has brought

immense benefits to the Wheat State’s economic growth and continued

stability.

“Garden of the West State” It has also taken the title “Garden of the West” for its fertile soil and beautiful

creations. The state’s nicknames didn’t stop there, there are plenty more that

describe the location of places like the city of Louisburg.

It has been called Midway, U.S.A. and the Central State because it is located

smack dab in the middle between the two coast lines.

“Bleeding Kansas” More often than not, it is titled for its place in history. Before the Civil

War, it was known as “Bleeding Kansas.”

At that time, each state added to the Union was declared a free or slave

state. With considerations to make it its own region, “impartial

Americans” began moving to the state in order to influence the decision.

The resulting conflict led to raids and bloodshed. The conflict was finally concluded in 1861 when it was

admitted as free, throwing the balance of power to the north.

“The Battleground of Freedom” That same conflict earned it the title “The Battleground of Freedom” because of the

many conflicts there. An unfavorable name existed at a time when the state was

trying to become a nationally recognized contributor.

Squatters would come in from Missouri and other surrounding areas trying to lay

claim to certain pieces of land that hadn’t been assigned yet. They sat around until

they could make the land theirs.

“The Squatter State” Whether or not the people of the city of Louisburg liked it, they gained fame for it, earning them the

nickname “The Squatter State.” Nicknames can tell you a lot about the beauty, location and history of

Kansas.