The state crest consists of a twisted blue and gold bar
representing the Louisiana Purchase, from which Kansas was carved. The state flower, the
Sunflower, is depicted as if torn from its stalk. The state seal centered on the flag
tells the story of Kansas. The thirty four stars clustered at the top of the seal
identify Kansas as the 34th state to be accepted into the Union. Above the stars is the
state motto "Ad Astra per Astera" To the Stars through Difficulties. The rolling hills
around Fort Riley are reflected in the seal. The Indians hunting American Bison, the
prairie schooners heading west and the oxen mirror the expanding frontier. The farmer,
plowing his field before his cabin represent agricultural assets while the steamboat
navigating the Kansas River, delivering supplies to Manhattan and Fort Riley represent
commerce within the state.
