Kansas pioneers knew their land was perfect for growing corn and wheat and an abundance of beautiful yellow sunflowers. While Kansans harvested wheat very early on, production statistics weren't tracked until 1866. That same year about 1,300 bushels of wheat were produced. Twenty years later, the number increased to 15,000, and by 1900 it jumped to 78,000. Turkey Red wheat, an ancestor of much of the wheat grown in Kansas, is believed to have been brought over by Russian immigrants in the 1870s, and it did very well.
Due to the amount of wheat being grown in Kansas, it's not surprising that flour and grain mills were abundant across the state. Two companies with historic ties remain in business today.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of True West.
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This story is from the September 2023 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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Where Did the Loot Go? - This is one of those find the money stories. And it's one that has attracted treasure hunters for more than 150 years.
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