Summarization

In the early 16th century. Kansas was a relatively unexplored place. The only inhabitants were the native plains tribes, who remained untouched by the rest of the world until Spanish and French explorers set out to reap the land for their rulers. The Spanish sought complete takeover, while the French were more open to the natives, trading them valuable furs and metal tools. While this opened the plains for trade and exploration, it also contributed to the downfall of the native tribes.

Later on, Kansas was again the target for exploration and discovery, with some famous explorers such as Lewis and Clark and Zebulon Pike setting out to map the barren land. The results were mixed, Pike claimed that Kansas was an uninhabitable wasteland while Lewis and Clark were fond of the area, having much resources and favorable weather. This can be attributed to the fact that the explorers might have each found themselves in a different part of the plains, which has many diverse conditions and wildlife.

This information, in turn, allowed for settlers to migrate to the plains to start a new life. It was not an easy journey, with many hardships and bad living conditions along the way. Many families turned back in the first few weeks. For the ones who made it, life was still difficult without the necessary living conditions provided.

Finally, Kansas was opened up to the rest of the country via railroad system, and the floodgates were opened for thousands of people to arrive. Many arrived for business opportunity, while others