Kansas QuickInfo Est. Pop.: 2,694,511 Capital: Topeka Statehood: 1861 Nickname: Sunflower State Motto: Ad astra per aspera Official Website Census Info Fun KS Factoid Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer, was known as the 2 Cent Church because the building was built using a 2 cent donation on each bushel of wheat sold by members of the church.