January 29, 1861 was a pivotal moment for the United States of America, because on that day, Kansas joined the Union as a Free State, tipping the scales toward freedom for all. Kansas became the 34th state while Abraham Lincoln was president. To help us remember that number—Kansas, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was the 34th president. What was happening in our “united” states in and around 1861? The Civil War about out united-ness began that year and made us rethink the solidarity of our United States of America. On July 2, 1862, President Lincoln signed the Morrill Act— also known as the Land Grant College Act. The next year on Feb. 16, 1863 the first land-grant college was created. Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applies Sciences. Now known as Kansas State University. Here we are. Kansas. Lofty hills and pristine prairies from sunrise to sunset. Smack dab in the middle of America. Have a great day and most of, be proud to be an American—from Kansas!