Topeka KS Moving Companies

Topeka, Kansas

The capitol of the great state of Kansas, Topeka is located at the center of a metropolitan area. The city has been at the forefront of progress; creating a primary link in the westward expansion of the railroad and settled by New England antislavery supporters in the nineteenth century. In the 20th century, the city became a world leader in the treatment of mental illness and health support. During the last two decades, Topeka has experienced tremendous business development with numerous Fortune 500 companies moving to Topeka, Kansas.

History:
Situated on the Oregon Trail, Topeka was selected as the state capital in 1861 when Kansas was admitted to the. During the 20th century, Topeka played a significant role in developing psychiatric research and therapy. With the Oregon Trail crossing the river at Topeka, several prosperous ferryboat services were established in the area. In the mid-1800s, a privately built bridge was constructed, connecting Topeka with the community of Eugene, today known as North Topeka. A flood destroyed the bridge in the same year it was built, but Topeka's location made the need for a new bridge apparent. During the late 1880s, Topeka passed through a boom period, one that would eventually ended in disaster. And in 1889, the bubble burst, causing enormous loss to many local investors. The city, however, doubled in population during this trying period, and was able to weather the depressions of the 1890s. During World War II, the railroad, meat packing and agricultural industries shifted to manufacturing and government/military services. These changes became even more clear and solidified during the post war years. An Air Force Base had been established during the Second World War, and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plant was opened in 1944. In the 1980s, the city’s citizens voted to build a new airport and convention center and to change the form of city government.

Economy:
Topeka, Kansas is the regional hub for an area serving more than 340,000 people in northeast Kansas. Topeka’s diverse business community ranges from federal and state government to distribution centers and manufacturing facilities, complimented by a full range of retail and service businesses. Payless Shoe Source, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Security Benefit Group, Western Resources and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are all headquartered in the city. Government and services account for more than 50 percent of Topeka’s economy, and another 15 percent of workers are employed in wholesale or retail trade. The construction and manufacturing industries made moderate gains statewide amidst increasing demand for housing and aircraft production. Fortune 500 companies that have established themselves in Topeka include Frito-Lay, Inc., Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Payless Shoe Source and Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Tourism:
Topeka, Kansas is a wonderful city to experience the country’s past. Founded in 1854 by a group of anti-slavery activists, start your exploration at the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, to help commemorate those involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision that found segregated schools to be unconstitutional. Continue your journey at Ward Meade Park. Featuring Victorian mansion, one-room schoolhouse and log cabins, this illustrious area is a must see for residence and visitors alike. Or, view some of the country’s most famed aircrafts dating from World War I at the Combat Air Museum. Next, it is on to the Cedar Crest, the historic Governor's home, overlooking the Kansas River. In addition to the city’s many historic attractions, Topeka is also known for its world-renowned motor sports racing site, Heartland Park Topeka, with its famous quarter-mile drag strip. Topeka also offers cultural attractions in the form of numerous art galleries, live theater and local symphony. For a great family outing, check out the Topeka Zoological Park for a visit to the tropical rain forest, naturalistic bear dwelling and the children's petting zoo.

Colleges/Universities:

• Washburn College
• Baker University School

Interesting Facts:

The mayor of Kansas's capital has unofficially changed his city's name to Google in March of 2010 to help promote the city.
• Topeka is home to the Hallmark Cards plant.
• Topeka’s Reinisch Rose Garden, located in Gage Park, contains more than 350 varieties of roses, totaling more than 7,000 bushes.