• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Homestead on the Range

Abundant Living in Flyover Country

  • The Lifestyle
  • The Farm
  • The Garden
  • The Skills
  • The Business
  • The Sunflower State

Four Centuries in Kansas

October 30, 2014 by hsotr

Four Centuries in Kansas

If you are looking for a book that will introduce Kansas history to younger readers, consider this one.

Four Centuries in Kansas by Bliss Isely and W. M. Richards was originally a textbook, but it was written in an animated style that makes it an interesting read. The narrative covers state history from the Indians to World War I. Obviously that leaves a gap in the record, and the later chapters were written without the advantage of hindsight; nevertheless the book is a worthwhile starting point.

The 1936 edition is divided into 12 units:

  1. “How Kansas Served as a Home for Indians.”
  2. “Early White Men in Kansas.”
  3. “How Kansas Came To Be a Part of the United States.”
  4. “How Kansas Has Served as a Highway.”
  5. “How Kansas Was Affected by the Dispute Over Slavery.”
  6. “How Kansas Acquired Her Present Form of Government.”
  7. “Kansas and the End of Slavery.”
  8. “Development of Transportation.”
  9. “Man and Nature.”
  10. “How Education Has Developed in Kansas.”
  11. “The Kansas Spirit.”
  12. “Contributions of Kansas People.”

Each unit is accompanied by activities, discussion questions, and references for those who want to dig in a little deeper.

Although not the most up-to-date history book on Kansas, Four Centuries in Kansas is nevertheless a useful introduction to the early history of the state, and offers some interesting commentary on Kansas after the Civil War. Consider it a jumping-off point for further research.

Keep Reading...

Filed Under: The Sunflower State Tagged With: Books, History, Native Americans

Avatar for hsotr

About hsotr

Motivated by her experience growing up on a small farm near Wichita, Kansas, Michelle Lindsey started Homestead on the Range to supply Kansas country living enthusiasts with the innovative resources that they need to succeed and has now been keeping families informed and inspired for over five years. Michelle is the author of three country living books. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream.

Before Footer

Footer

Stay Posted

Enter your email address to receive new posts via email.

Topics

Animal Health Birdwatching Books Breeding Cattle Dairy Dogs Draft Animals Enterprises Faith Family Field Crops Food Fruit Goats Health & Fitness History Horses Insect Pests Links Livestock Marketing Music Native Americans Nature Nutrition Ornamental Plants Outdoors Pastures Pets Planning Plant Health Poultry Quotes Scripture Passages Sheep Small-Scale Farming Soil Stewardship Supplies The West Travel Vegetables Water Weather

More Resources

  • Our Books
  • Our Guides
  • Our Newsletters
  • Quick Start Pages
  • The Gallery
  • The Homestead Bookshelf
  • Your Path to Abundant Living in Flyover Country

Affiliate Disclosure

Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure. Thank you!

  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Updates

Copyright © 2013–2021 All rights reserved. No content on this site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use.