Wichita

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, located on the Arkansas River in south-central Kansas. It is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area.

The area was inhabited by the Wichita people before European contact. The community developed as a trading post along the Arkansas River during the 19th century and grew around the Santa Fe Trail. The city was incorporated in the late 19th century and became a major center of aircraft manufacturing in the 20th century. It earned the nickname Air Capital of the World due to the early and ongoing presence of aircraft companies.

Wichita has a diversified economy with strong aerospace manufacturing, as well as healthcare, energy, and distribution. Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and other aerospace firms are key employers. The city also has a growing startup ecosystem and logistics.

Wichita is home to Wichita State University and several other higher education institutions. It has cultural attractions such as the Wichita Art Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, and Sedgwick County Zoo. The city hosts annual events and has a regional arts scene.

Wichita experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. It is served by Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and multiple highways, including I-35 and I-135, and freight rail lines.