Salina, Kansas

Salina is a city and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas{{GR|6}}. First settled by Preston B. Plum in 1856 along the Saline and Smoky Hill Rivers, and founded by William A. Phillips in 1858, Salina is situated at the intersection of Interstate Highways I-70 and I-135 in central Kansas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 45,679.

History

In 1860 Salina, the westernmost post on the Smoky Hill Trail, began to establish itself as a staging post for prospectors traveling to Pike's Peak, as well as a trading post between local native tribes, and Fort Leavenworth. After the Civil War, Phillips, then a colonel, used his influence to extend the Union Pacific Railroad to Salina in 1867. Starting in 1872, Salina began transporting meat shipped in refrigerated cars down the rails. During the agriculture boom During the 1870's, wheat became the dominant crop in Salina and a steam-powered flour mill was built. At the same time Dr. E. R. Switzer, of Salina, introduced alfalfa to Kansas farmers. During World War II Salina's air field was one of several notable B-29 training grounds. The exponential growth of the 1950s of Salina was related largely to the re-opening of Smoky Hill Air Force Base, later renamed to Schilling Air Force Base, which was closed in 1965 by the Department of Defense.

Related Topics:
Smoky Hill Trail - Staging post - Prospectors - Pike's Peak - Trading post - Fort Leavenworth - Civil War - Colonel - Union Pacific Railroad - 1867 - 1872 - Refrigerated cars - Wheat - Steam-powered - Flour mill - E. R. Switzer - Alfalfa - World War II - Air field - B-29 - Training grounds - Exponential growth - 1950s - Smoky Hill Air Force Base - Schilling Air Force Base - 1965 - Department of Defense

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In February 2005, the city is hoping its name will be added to the likes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in terms of being a significant name in aviation history, as it has been selected as the launch field for what is being touted as the 'last great aviation record'; the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. This is a round the world solo record attempt that will take off and land at Salina without refuelling or stopping.

Related Topics:
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina - Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer

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