Famous People

Kirstie Alley (1951 - ) Actress starring in Cheers and Veronica's Closet. Born in Wichita, KS (178)

Robert D. Ballard (1942 - ) He discovered the Titanic shipwreck. Born in Wichita, KS (179)

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 - 2000) The first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Price; grew up in Chicago. Born in Topeka, KS (138)

Walter Chrysler (1875 - 1940) Founder of Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Born in Ellis, KS (181)

Charles Curtis (1860 - 1936) The first Native American to serve as US vice president (1929-1933). Born in Topeka, KS (182)

Bob Dole (1923 - ) United States senator for many years; he ran for President in 1996. Born in Russell, KS (184)

Amelia Earhart (1897 - 1939) The first woman granted a pilot's license by the National Aeronautics Associate, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (1932), and the first person to fly solo across the Pacific. Born in Atchison, KS (183)

Melissa Etheridge (1961 - ) Popular singer and guitarist. Born in Leavenworth, KS (186)

Omar Knedlik (1916 - 1989) Invented the first frozen carbonated drink machine in 1961. Born in Barnes, KS (190)

Hattie McDaniel (1895 - 1952) The first black woman to win an Academy Award; won for her role in "Gone with the Wind"". Born in Wichita, KS (191)

Charlie Parker (1920 - 1955) One of the most influential improvising soloists in jazz, and a central figure in the development of bop in the 1940s. Born in Kansas City, KS (192)