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 The three largest herds of buffalo (correctly called bison) in Kansas are located on public lands at the Maxwell Game Preserve (McPherson), Big Basin (Ashland), and Buffalo Game Preserve (Garden City).