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Kansas State Pride

The Story Of Johnny Kaw, A Kansas Folklore Icon

By Clarisa | Published December 30, 2020

Did you know about our very own folklore famous man, Johnny Kaw? He’s responsible for so many Kansas features and inventions, and we love him and both of his pets, Jayhawk and Bob the Wildcat. Have you heard about this cool little piece of Kansas history and folklore?

Do you recognize this imposing figure, hanging out in Manhattan, Kansas? This tall man with a scythe is none other than Johnny Kaw. He stands tall, looking out over everyone who visits.

Johnny Kaw is a fictional character of Kansas folklore, with many known talents and accomplishments. So many things he can do, just with his size and power alone.

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Most amazingly, Johnny and his scythe carved the Kansas landscape with it dragging behind him as he returned from the fields. He made the Flint Hills, and carved out the bed of the Kansas River, all in his path across the state.

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He's also a great neighbor to have, according to legend. His hands squeeze rain from clouds, and protect others during storms by slashing tornadoes in half.

Part of his folklore includes the invention of sunflowers, using dandelion roots and sunshine he had collected to make something beautiful.

This man may be behind Kansas's beautiful legacy in our folklore, but we're glad to have him. Though he was created in 1955, he's going to be standing here in our hearts for a while.

If you'd like to visit his statue and learn more, he's standing tall at the Manhattan City Park.

If you visit, feel free to post about your adventures at our Kansas Nature Lovers Facebook page! We love seeing our fellow Kansans travel around.

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Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA