Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra per Aspera"

Spirit of the Buffalo Community Art & History Project

— Artist: Becky Gordon, Lansing —

"Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2026

1. "Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker Mural

Inscription. Kansas • 1861

Ad astra per aspera

Erected by Leavenworth County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1861.

Location. 39° 18.387′ N, 94° 55.061′ W. Marker is in Leavenworth, Kansas, in Leavenworth County. It is at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Middle Street, on the right when traveling south on 5th Avenue. Marker is on the Carroll Mansion (Leavenworth County Historical Society) grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1128 5th Avenue, Leavenworth KS 66048, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Greater Kansas City.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Lincoln Steps (a few steps from this marker); The Carroll House (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathaniel Burt House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of David Josiah Brewer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Vories House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sacred Heart Church (approx. ¼ mile away); American Legion Post #23 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Frederick H. Harvey (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leavenworth.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Lincoln Steps (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding "Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra per Aspera". Excerpt from the LCHS Spirit of the Buffalo Project website:

The Leavenworth County Historical Society is proud to present the “Spirit of the Buffalo” Community Art & History Project in Leavenworth County. The outdoor exhibit focuses on connecting residents and visitors to the region's early history, with an emphasis

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2026

2. "Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker Mural

on Kansas Plains Natives and their co-habitation with the buffalo.

Artist Becky Gordon has chosen to incorporate a stylized version of Kansas images in conjunction with the state motto, “Ad astra per aspera,” Latin for “to the stars through difficulties.”

Her design, featured on this hand-crafted metal sculpture buffalo, is a background of Kansas sunrises and sunsets that are frequently photographed throughout the state. Kansas terrain often provides unobstructed view of the horizon, allowing for dramatic and colorful early morning and evening skies. Residents in Leavenworth County have excellent vantage points to experience nature’s greatest light show: the sunrise and sunset. This daily occurrence strongly connects them to the land and their individual identities.

Each morning is an awakening as a new day spills its first light across the golden wheat and vibrant sunflower fields. In the evening, the sky erupts in a fiery palette of color, as the day is put to rest.

Adopted in 1861, soon after Kansas achieved statehood, the State motto alludes to the arduous journey and struggles faced by early settlers and the state itself, particularly

"Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2026

3. "Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker

during the period of "Bleeding Kansas" leading up to the Civil War, when there was a brutal conflict over whether Kansas would be a free or a slave state.

Although not designated as the state flower until 1903, the sunflower is native and grows naturally in all Kansas counties. Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of environments, this Kansas symbol aligns with the Kansas spirit. The sunflower became a logo in the women's suffrage movement during an 1867 campaign for women's suffrage that began in Kansas. This emblem, and the color yellow (gold) became associated with the movement nationally.

Kansas is also recognized as the “Wheat State,” the “Breadbasket of America.” Wheat was produced in the state even before statehood and Kansas is considered the leading producer in the United States.

These selected Kansas symbols are represented here on a replica of the magnificent American buffalo, officially recognized as the official animal symbol of Kansas in 1955. The buffalo honors the early days of Kansas statehood, when millions roamed the Kansas prairie. The Kansas commemorative quarter features images of both

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2026

4. "Sunrise to Sunset: Ad Astra Per Aspera" Marker

Neighboring Nathaniel Burt House in background

a buffalo and a sunflower.

"Ad Astra per Aspera" is a powerful reminder that success is often born from overcoming adversity and that the most rewarding achievements are those that are earned through perseverance. This is the defining spirit that makes a Kansan.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.