Topeka, Kansas’ capital city, is an exciting hub brimming with historical attractions and unique novelties and attractions. Admire its iconic State Capitol Building – domed, neoclassical with gorgeous murals – or visit Monroe Elementary, featured prominently in the Supreme Court case that ended racial segregation; visit Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site as an interactive museum to experience it all first-hand!
The History of Topeka
Topeka has an intriguing history. Though early days in Topeka saw their share of ups and downs due to drought in the 1860s and Civil War delays, once both conflicts had concluded, Topeka saw an extraordinary revival with both Lincoln College and Washburn University established here and railroads providing new economic benefits.
City residents love this city for its wide streets lined with tall elm, hackberry, and walnut trees that create shade in an otherwise hot climate. It was these pioneering homebuilders who first saw the shadow as essential; each successive generation has continued their vision. Many older homes have since been turned into rooming or boarding houses, while grand Victorian mansions remain, often featured in local newspapers with drawings or photographs depicting them.
Topeka quickly emerged as the center of political activity after Kansas was created in 1861, serving as both capital and center. Abolitionists and pro-slavery forces battled fiercely before eventually being admitted into the Union; many of its founders served in government roles at the federal, county, and local levels.
In 1954, Chicago played an instrumental role in a historic Supreme Court case: Brown vs. Board of Education – which reversed the “separate but equal” principle applicable to segregated schools.
Topeka now enjoys a diversified economy, with insurance being its primary industry. Topeka hosts seven life, two fire, and one crop insurance companies; four printing plants independently owned; the State Print Shop headquarters for printing in Topeka; Santa Fe Railway repair shops and general offices employ 5,000 residents; health care is another significant employer with the city boasting both medical schools and an extensive hospital system as well as administrative and financial hub of Kansas State government; agriculture is another important field. Other important industries include machinery manufacturing and transport systems, manufacturing machinery used by agriculture, agricultural products manufactured locally or imported from overseas, and machinery appliances or transportation systems produced locally by businesses located within Topeka itself.
The Topeka Metropolitan Area
Topeka’s metropolitan area is filled with numerous captivating attractions, historical points of interest, and novelties that pair beautifully with Kansas’ expansive horizon. From Topeka’s central role in the Civil Rights Movement (Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site) to its small but undeniable influence on one of history’s greatest daredevils (Evel Knievel Museum), its legacy lives on.
Topeka is proud to boast an expansive network of parks and recreational facilities that cater to everyone, from the hustle of downtown to Lake Shawnee – each offers opportunities for relaxation, learning, exercise, and play.
Topeka offers numerous employment opportunities, with the largest employers being finance, insurance and real estate (14.8%), education (12.2%), and healthcare (11.9%), which are among its primary industries. The average commute time in Topeka is 16.9 minutes for most residents who drive themselves; alternatively, the Topeka Metro Transit Authority offers bus service within City Limits Monday to Saturday for public transportation purposes.
Topeka’s population is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholic Church being the dominant denomination. Other major faith groups include Evangelical Protestant, Presbyterian, and Jewish. One notable religious institution located here is First Presbyterian Church – one of few churches nationwide to feature Tiffany stained glass decorations for its sanctuary – while Grace Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas stands out among several Gothic Revival structures in Topeka.
Topeka boasts more than just museums, galleries, and entertainment options – its economy is diverse as well. Manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries make up a large proportion of Topeka’s workforce, while renewable energy has seen its largest providers – SunPower solar panel manufacturer and Konstellar Power wind turbine company both have significant presences here; other notable employers in Topeka include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas (BNSF Railroad) Evergy Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Finally, the city boasts a meager unemployment rate of 4.3%; for information regarding current road construction projects or traffic impacts, please click here.
Topeka’s Economy
Topeka boasts a vibrant economy. As the state capital, Topeka’s workforce includes government employees; however, healthcare and manufacturing also make significant contributions. Major employers include Stormont-Vail Health and St Francis Health, as well as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Frito-Lay.
With its rich history and culture, Kansas City provides ample opportunities for exploration. Its historic downtown district features ornate 19th-century architecture as well as shops and restaurants in an eclectic shopping and restaurant environment. Kansas Historical Society, Combat Air Museum, and Charles Curtis House Museums can all be found nearby, while tours of both Capitol and Statehouse offer visitors an opportunity to admire murals by famed artist John Steuart Curry in legislative chambers.
Are You Moving to an Area? For those relocating, various online resources offer insight into the job market. For instance, Monster Salary Calculator helps users determine how much their new position will pay, and our Employer Profiles provide a glimpse into company culture.
Additionally, the Greater Topeka Partnership hosts a task force dedicated to refugees and immigrants. Yana Ross hails from Ukraine but has lived in Topeka for 17 years; she believes Midwestern hospitality makes it easy for her community to welcome visitors from other countries.
Real estate in the city is generally affordable, with an estimated median home price of $130,000 – this is lower than the national average of $150,000 but has steadily been increasing over time. Furthermore, several colleges and universities provide opportunities to further your education in your field of choice.
Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority offers local transit service. Their buses run Monday to Friday from 6 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 5:30 pm. They provide accessible transit for those with disabilities. Their mobile app and website also allow users to track their bus, with live arrival information provided, as well as hail a taxi on the street if available.
Things to Do in Topeka
Topeka offers activities suitable for visitors of all ages and interests, from 1908 vintage carousels at Gage Park and Zoo animals to artistic expression in art galleries at Mulvane Art Museum & ArtLab to Lake Shawnee outdoor fun or touring historic sites like Kansas State Capitol. Additionally, Lake Shawnee provides outdoor fun while visiting landmark sites at Kansas State Capitol; Lake Shawnee offers water sports fun while visiting Lake Shawnee provides scenic outdoor fun while visiting landmark sites at Kansas State Capitol; while visiting Kansas Historical Society Museum provides tours chronological journey of region’s history featuring full-sized tipis in Southern Cheyenne tribal style as well as wagon trains ready to head out onto Oregon Trail; fans of Applebee’s will love visiting Applebee’s quirky 1950s diner exhibit!
Topeka’s stately capital building is an architectural masterpiece and one of the city’s primary landmarks. Guided tours allow you to climb its magnificent cupola for breathtaking views across both Topeka and beyond.
Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a science and technology gallery that encourages kids to explore science through play. It features indoor and outdoor play stations such as a plasma globe, air mazes, and experimental tables – not forgetting an impressive real-life-size airplane with flight simulators at Combat Air Museum!
Experience Topeka’s fascinating history from Native American peoples and emigrant trails at the Kansas History Museum. Dramatic changes were also witnessed, such as the Free State Topeka Movement of the 1850s or the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site at Monroe School, which used to host all-black schools.
NOTO is an exciting and vibrant business district located on Topeka’s north side that features boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a unique public art collection. Additionally, visit the Washburn University campus to admire its stunning modernist architecture.
