Topeka is a center of agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping for Kansas, and some manufactured products of the city include rubber, shoes, cellophane, and food-processing. There are also several publishing and insurance companies in Topeka.
Topeka was originally a stop next to the Kansas River for settlers headed for the west in the 1840’s. In the 1850’s, a military post was built around the site and steamboats traveling along the river used it as a trading stop. Topeka was soon a bustling commercial area. The city was officially incorporated in 1857.